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One need only take to Twitter, or watch evening SportsCenter, to realize there is a buzz around the WNBA. But the anticipation surrounding a compelling Sparks vs. Lynx rivalry, has translated into record-breaking TV ratings as well.
As announced by ESPN, the 2017 WNBA Finals garnered the highest ratings since 2003. In fact, the ratings for the entire series went up 24 percent from last year, according to Nielsen ratings.
More specifically, last night’s Game 5—in which the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 85-76 en route to earning their fourth championship—doubled the 2016 Game 5 ratings.
In Minneapolis, Game 5 netted a 7.9 rating while the broadcast averaged a 0.9 rating in Los Angeles. The thrilling conclusion to the game resulted in a peak rating of 1.1 from 10:45-11pm ET.
While the Lynx celebrate their history-forging title and the Sparks embark on an off-season of toil, the 2018 WNBA season—and what is sure to be an ascent to new heights—awaits.