Game 1 of 2016 WNBA Finals Delivers Best Overnight Since 2010
By: Caryn Robbins
Game 1 of the 2016 WNBA Finals, which aired Sunday, Oct. 9, on ABC, delivered a 0.5 overnight rating, the best since 2010. The matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks resulted in a +25% increase from last year's Game 1.
The top five markets were: Minneapolis (2.1); NASHVILLE (1.4); Hartford-New HAVEN (1.3); Louisville (1.0); Charlotte (0.9). Los Angeles delivered a 0.4 metered market rating. The WNBA implemented a new playoff format this season that ensured the top eight teams in the league, regardless of conference, would secure a spot in the postseason. This year's Finals feature the top two teams in the league, and Game 1 ended with a buzzer-beater that led to a 78-76 Los Angeles win and a 1-0 lead in the series for the Sparks. The Finals continue Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
