Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries became the most-watched Finals opener in league history.
The game averaged 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, prompting some to credit Angel Reese while others compared the numbers to games featuring Caitlin Clark.
WNBA Fans Credit Angel Reese, Debate Caitlin Clark’s Impact After Record Finals Opener
The historic audience revived a familiar discussion about Reese’s and Clark’s respective roles in drawing viewers to the WNBA. Some saw the numbers as support for Reese’s past comments that the league’s popularity isn’t dependent on one player.
“Angel Reese rn after saying ‘People watch because of me too, not one person,’ two years ago,” one X user posted.
Another viewer challenged the idea that Clark was necessary to attract a large audience.
“The Angel Reese effect! They said nobody watches the WNBA unless Caitlin is playing 😂,” the fan commented.
Others focused on how the audience compared with previous broadcasts.
“Agreed. 2.1M is a great start for Game 1 up against college football. It’ll be interesting to see if the next few games of the WNBA Finals can reach or beat some of the better viewership numbers this season,” columnist Christine Brennan wrote.
Reporter Dan Zaksheske offered a different perspective on the viewership figures.
“Game 1 of the WNBA Finals averaged 2.1 million viewers, which is a great number for the WNBA. It was the league’s 11th most-watched game this season. All 10 games ahead of it featured the Indiana Fever,” Zaksheske tweeted.
One viewer pushed back against turning the ratings discussion into a competition between players.
“Yes, there have been other more watched games, but that’s far from the point people. No need to pin different women against each other and just watch it or don’t watch. The WNBA is seeing big jumps of not just viewership but in talent. Fan how you want but don’t let your hate for something prevent you from seeing the facts and reasoning,” the user wrote.
The Atlantic’s Jemele Hill also reacted with an emoji.
Fever writer Robin Lundberg provided additional context on ratings. Last year’s Finals opener between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury averaged 1.9 million viewers on ESPN, while the four-game series averaged 1.5 million.
This year’s opener also fell short of the 2.25 million viewers who watched Game 3 of the first-round series between the Aces and Fever.
The Dream and Valkyries entered the Finals seeking their first championships. Atlanta previously reached the championship round three times between 2010 and 2013, while Golden State made its first appearance in just its second season.
Saturday’s opener featured seven lead changes and six ties. Neither team led by double digits, and the Valkyries came away with a 68-64 victory.
Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 19 points on 5-for-19 shooting, including 1-for-8 from 3-point range. Reese finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds but did not make a field goal in the second half.
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 26 points and was the team’s only double-digit scorer. Kiah Stokes added 9 points.
Game 3 on Wednesday coincided with an 11-game NBA schedule, giving the Finals additional competition for viewers.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.