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First round of 2026 WNBA Playoffs is ‘most watched ever’ with eye-popping viewership record

The opening round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs drew an average of 1.30 million viewers per game, a jump of 37 % over the 2025 first round and 17 % higher than the previous record set in 2024. The viewership was measured across the three broadcasters carrying the games – ESPN, Prime Video and USA Network.

The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever contested a three‑game series in the first round, while the second round has the Atlanta Dream leading New York Liberty 1‑0 and the Golden State Valkyries holding a 1‑0 edge over the Aces. Game 2 of both matchups is slated for Wednesday, Oct.

7, with the Dream‑Liberty game at 7:30 p.m. EST and the Aces‑Valkyries clash at 9:30 p.m.

EST.

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