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WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season

WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league's inaugural season | iNFOnews.ca
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray leaves the court after Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The opening game of the WNBA Finals was the most watched Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season.

An average of 1.9 million viewers watched Las Vegas edge Phoenix 89-86 on Friday night, according to ESPN. That was up 62% from last season’s matchup of New York and Minnesota.

The game peaked with 2.5 million viewers.

Only the 1997 championship, which was a winner-take-all Game 1 had more people watching.

Game 2 ratings weren’t yet available.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league's inaugural season | iNFOnews.ca
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally and Las Vegas Aces center Megan Gustafson, right, battle for a loose ball during the first half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league's inaugural season | iNFOnews.ca
Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) and Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) battle for the ball during the first half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
WNBA Finals draw most viewers for a Game 1 since the league's inaugural season | iNFOnews.ca
Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young is embraced after Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

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