USA Sports and NBC claim record WNBA Finals ratings, but the comparisons leave out important context
WNBA Finals TV ratings claims face scrutiny as USA Sports combines streaming and TV numbers without clear breakdowns or independent verification.
TL;DR
- USA Sports announced Game 6 of the WNBA Finals averaged 1.5 million viewers, a figure that outdrew last year's primetime championship clincher.
- These viewership numbers combine audiences across USA Network, E!, SYFY, and streaming services like Peacock.
- Critics question the methodology, as NBC's own television audience for Game 6 was below previous reported ESPN records.
- The practice of combining Nielsen ratings with streaming data from sources like Adobe Analytics has been criticized for lack of transparency and potential misrepresentation.
- Comparisons are further complicated by changes in Nielsen's measurement systems and the expansion of the WNBA Finals to a best-of-seven series.
- The scheduling of Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern was a change to avoid direct competition with other major sporting events.