Angel Reese’ Star Power, Dream Help WNBA Finals Deliver Historic TV Ratings

The Atlanta Dream might be chasing their first WNBA championship, but their return to basketball's biggest stage has already helped produce a television milestone. Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between Atlanta and the Golden State Valkyries averaged 2.1 million viewers Saturday across NBC and Peacock, making it the most-watched Finals opener in league history. NBC Sports announced the figures Wednesday, citing Nielsen and Adobe Analytics data. Viewership increased 11% from last year's Game 1 and peaked at 3 million during the closing minutes of Golden State's 68-64 victory.