PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury’s improbable playoff run helped set WNBA records, contributing to the league’s most-watched postseason ever on ESPN.
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Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts after being ejected during the second half of game four against the Las Vegas Aces of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Throughout the 24 games, viewership averaged 1.2 million during the postseason, and the WNBA Finals averaged 1.5 million viewers. The 2025 Finals were the second-highest rated viewership in ESPN history.
The ratings reflect growing interest in the WNBA, as young stars such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers begin to make their mark on the league and attract more viewers. For Phoenix, it’s about keeping eyes on the franchise even without Diana Taurasi, as the team begins to mold a new identity.
While the Mercury didn’t achieve their ultimate goal, the team’s surge and deep playoff run captivated fans from all over as they put their rebuild to the test.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) goes up for a layup against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
After a challenging regular season filled with injuries and learning to play with each other, Phoenix entered the postseason as underdogs — something the team rallied behind. Led by Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally, the Mercury proved why they belonged. The team’s comeback wins, emotional moments and elimination of top teams told a story of overcoming the odds.
The numbers aren’t the whole story. The postseason brought emotional investment from fans, no matter what reason they had to tune in. Social media buzzed after every game and players directly engaged with fans throughout the playoffs. It wasn’t a movement on the court, but also off the court long after the buzzer went off.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs were a ratings success but also marked a cultural moment. The Mercury, along with the seven other teams that made a postseason run, helped build momentum to carry into future seasons.
ESPN recorded the most-watched WNBA postseason (Playoffs + Finals) EVER across its networks👏 pic.twitter.com/ZJWCI19LUa
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 14, 2025
It’s clear the league is trending in the right direction, and with Phoenix helping pave the way during these playoffs, the league will only continue to flourish.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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