WNBA Finals opener sets audience record with 2.1 million viewers
Golden State beat Atlanta 68-64 in Game 1, but the Dream won the next two games as they pursue their first WNBA championship.
The WNBA Finals opener between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries averaged 2.1 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, NBC Sports said. The network said that made it the most-watched opening game in the Finals’ history.
The audience was 11 percent higher than for the previous year’s opener and reached 3 million toward the end of the game. Golden State won the contest 68-64. Audience figures for Games 2 and 3 were not yet available.
Atlanta responded by winning both of those games and needs two more victories to claim its first WNBA championship. The Finals use a best-of-seven format, with Golden State again facing the Dream in the next matchup.
This is Atlanta’s first Finals appearance since 2013. Angel Reese has helped lead the team’s return. Speaking after Game 3, Reese expressed determination to win the title and said her confidence spread to her teammates, according to ESPN.
