The 2020 WNBA Draft was the most-watched draft in 16 years
The 2020 WNBA Draft was the most-watched draft in 16 years and the second most-watched in ESPN’s history. The network aired the draft on its main channel, unlike in previous years when the first round was broadcasted on ESPN2 with the second and third rounds streamed on ESPN3.
According to the league, the virtual event averaged 387,000 viewers on ESPN, up 123 percent over the 2019 Draft, and up 33 percent from the last time it aired on the network in 2011. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the draft picks from home while the draftees participated remotely as well due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Other notes: The WNBA and NBA social media handles, generated 6.5 million video views (up 165 percent vs. last year) and 1.3 million minutes watched (up 237 percent vs. last year).
- The league’s Instagram handle had its highest year-over-year growth, generating more than 3.8 million video views on draft day.
