This year’s coverage of the 2009 WNBA postseason (Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals and Finals, WNBA Finals) on ESPN2 (13 telecasts) delivered double-digit increases in viewership, households and in key male and female demos vs. 2008. The postseason concluded Friday, Oct. 9, with a decisive Game 5 WNBA Finals matchup, in which the Phoenix Mercury captured its second WNBA title, defeating the Indiana Fever, 94-86. The postseason earned a 0.4 rating, up 100 percent compared to last year (0.2), with a 54 percent increase in household impressions (352,000 vs. 229,000). There was also a 100 percent increase in viewership for P2+ (0.2 vs. 0.1), delivering 435,000 viewers, up 54 percent from last year (282,000).
In addition, the WNBA postseason on ESPN2 saw increases in key demographics, including men 18-49 (+49%) and men 25-54 (+39%). WNBA postseason viewing among women also saw significant growth. Female viewers between the ages of 18-49 and 25-54 were up 73 percent and 51 percent, respectively.
Moreover, the five-game WNBA Finals series averaged 548,000 viewers (P2+), up 73 percent vs. last season (316,000). The series averaged 434,000 households, up 68 percent, and delivered a 33 percent ratings increase (0.4) from last year (0.3).
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