The final game of the Women’s College World Series, in which Oklahoma downed Big 12 foe Texas to claim a sixth national title, averaged 1.7 million viewers and peaked at 2.1 million, according to ESPN.
The viewership, though down slightly from the record-setting 1.85 million average in 2021, topped the Men’s College World Series final ratings. Game 1 of the championship series between Ole Miss and Oklahoma was the most-watched matchup of the men’s tournament, drawing an average of 1.63 million viewers and peaking at 1.9 million, ESPN announced Tuesday.
Advertisement
The women’s tournament averaged a million viewers overall while the MCWS drew an average of 1.1 million, making it the most-watched men’s tournament since 2018. It was a 13 percent increase from last season, per ESPN.
The men’s tournament concluded with Ole Miss defeating Oklahoma in a two-game sweep that gave the Rebels their first MCWS title in program history. In the WCWS, the Sooners swept the Longhorns and capped off a dominant season by defending their 2021 title.
(Photo: Brett Rojo / USA Today)
Women’s college softball: Hidden TV gem or this shouldn’t surprise us?
Nicole Auerbach, senior writer: I don’t think this should be too surprising. Not only is softball a great sport in-person (and very family friendly) but it seems to be equally well made for TV. It’s fast-paced and the game is shorter than its counterpart in baseball. I’ve talked to multiple athletic directors who have really invested in this sport, and it’s one of their favorite sports to watch as a sports fan, too.