Photo via Yahoo Sports

Angel Reese’ Star Power, Dream Help WNBA Finals Deliver Historic TV Ratings

The Atlanta Dream's return to the championship stage has coincided with a most-watched Finals opener in WNBA history. Game 1 of the 2026 Finals between Atlanta and the Golden State Valkyries saw an average of 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, an 11% increase from the previous year.

Viewership peaked at 3 million during the final minutes of Golden State's 68-64 win.

Angel Reese's presence on the national stage has bolstered the following, with the most significant local television ratings in San Francisco (4.49) and New Orleans (3.04) recorded. The Dream's championship pursuit is supported by a talented roster including Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada, under the leadership of coach Karl Smesko.

Veteran DeWanna Bonner also joins the team.

Up nextWNBA· 9h ago

‘Ridiculous,’ ‘Sad to Watch Her’ — WNBA Fans Rip Linda Cohn As ESPN Legend Dismisses ‘Angel Reese Effect’ In Caitlin Clark Comparison