Interest in NCAA gymnastics continues to soar, after Saturday’s 2026 championships final averaged a record 1.1 million viewers on ABC.
The broadcast peaked at 1.7 million — another NCAA gymnastics record — as Oklahoma won its second straight title in a tight showdown.
The meet’s viewership was up 10% year-over-year, as well as 9% over its previous high in 2023.
"I mean, I was in disbelief today," Oklahoma gymnastics head coach KJ Kindler said after her team's championships win. "We were just on the edge of our seats. I honestly could not believe it... You don't get immune to the feeling of having an accomplishment like this."
Much like other women’s sports, NCAA gymnastics saw an uptick in both attendance and TV ratings this season — backed by some serious star power.
ESPN’s regular-season coverage broke records in January, as a high-profile meet between Oklahoma, Utah, LSU, and Olympian Jordan Chiles at UCLA averaged 838,000 viewers — with LSU and Utah both posting record home opener attendance this year.
