NCAA Women’s National Championship: UCLA win over South Carolina draws impressive TV ratings
Even with a blowout result, the 2026 NCAA women’s national championship drew impressive TV ratings on ABC. UCLA’s win over South Carolina became the third most-watched women’s title game ever, ESPN announced . An average of 9.
9 million viewers tuned in on Easter Sunday as UCLA dominated South Carolina to win its first-ever national title. That includes a peak audience of 10. 7 million and marks a 15% increase, year-over-year.
The game sits only behind the 2023 and 2024 national title games as the third most-watched on ESPN. SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter The NCAA women’s national championship game capped a strong run through the Final Four. South Carolina’s victory over UConn , which notably drew headlines for the events in the postgame handshake line , averaged 5.
4 million viewers on April 3. The nightcap between UCLA and Texas averaged 5. 0 million viewers, as well.
Final '26 #WFinalFour numbers are in! ESPN's 2nd most-watched @MarchMadnessWBB Tourney overall, +5% YoY Sunday = 9. 9M viewers, 3rd most-watched Women's Champ ever 2nd most-watched Final Four on record, avg.