The Golden State Valkyries are in just their second season in the WNBA. The Atlanta Dream play in the smallest venue in the league. But if you thought either of those issues meant fan interest in the 2026 WNBA Finals would be muted, you were laughably wrong.
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals averaged 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched Game 1 of all-time, NBC announced Wednesday.
NEWS (From NBC):
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) October 21, 2026
Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals averaged 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched WNBA Finals Game 1 ever.
Dream vs. Valkyries is up 11% vs. last year’s Game 1 between Mercury and Aces.
The contest reportedly peaked at 3 million viewers, per that report.
That figure is up 11 percent compared to last season, when Game 1 of the WNBA Finals featured the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces.
While viewership figures for Game 2 were not released just yet, evidence suggests it could also be high. Early Wednesday, a report emerged suggesting the Dream sold out State Farm Arena ahead of Game 3. State Farm Arena — where the Atlanta Hawks usually play — sits over 17,000 fans. In-stadium attendance has nothing to do with viewership numbers, but does show interest for the 2026 WNBA Finals is extremely high among fans.
Those who tuned in for Game 1 were treated to a tight, defensive battle. The contest — which came down to the final minutes — was decided thanks to some late heroics by Valkyries forward Gabby Williams, who led her team to a 68-64 victory.
Game 2 wasn’t as close, though did feature a dominant performance from Dream star Angel Reese, who helped her team even the series.
That sets up an exciting Game 3 on Wednesday. With both teams fighting to take control of the series, viewership numbers should remain high moving forward.