ESPN reported Tuesday that its 2026 Women's March Madness coverage delivered the second-highest viewership in network history, continuing the NCAA tournament's upward ratings trajectory.
Sunday's championship game between UCLA and South Carolina averaged 9.9 million viewers and peaked at 10.7 million, becoming ESPN's third-most watched women's final on record.
Both Women's March Madness Final Four matchups drew strong viewership numbers. South Carolina's 62-48 semifinal victory over previously undefeated UConn averaged 5.4 million viewers, while UCLA's win over Texas registered 5 million in the nightcap.
The 2026 tournament's ESPN viewership ranked second behind 2024's record-breaking run despite a repeat field, with 21 games averaging over 1 million viewers each. However, Iowa alum Caitlin Clark's 2023 and 2024 Final Four appearances continue to hold the top ESPN viewership spots.
“We are thrilled with the continued momentum we have seen across women’s basketball this season," said ESPN Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions Dan Margulis.
"We delivered our strongest regular-season performance in 17 years, the second-best NCAA Tournament overall and continued to grow excitement around the game. That success reflects the dedication of the student-athletes on the court, as well as the commitment of ESPN, the conferences, and the NCAA to grow the game of women’s basketball."
The strong numbers arrive as women's college basketball continues expanding its mainstream audience. The tournament aired across ESPN networks linear and digital, including in primetime on ABC.
UCLA's title marked coach Cori Close's first NCAA title after 15 seasons with the program.
How to Watch 2027 Women's March Madness on ESPN
The women's NCAA tournament returns to ESPN next spring, with Selection Sunday scheduled for mid-March, 2027.
