ESPN’s coverage of the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series (WCWS) set new records across traditional television and digital platforms. This year’s WCWS on ESPN+ had a 10% increase in viewership compared to 2024, according to the company. This year’s WCWS Final Series between Texas and Texas Tech set a record, with 2.2 million viewers, and 2.4 million viewers tuned in to Game 3, which was the most-watched NCAA softball game ever.
ESPN’s coverage balanced linear broadcasts and streaming with key games airing on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, while additional matchups and replays were made available on ESPN+. Utilizing streaming platforms allowed ESPN to broaden the audience for women’s college softball. Eight games surpassed one million viewers, including a standout UCLA vs. Tennessee matchup that peaked at 3.9 million viewers across all platforms.
During the Regional stage, ESPN+ streaming was up 5% year-over-year, ensuring that early-round games, which were sometimes not carried on linear channels, reached fans who wanted to track their team’s progression. By delivering more games on ESPN+, including those not available on cable, ESPN not only met existing demand but also introduced the WCWS to viewers who may be discovering the sport for the first time via digital platforms, including social media highlights or targeted notifications.
2.1 million viewers watched Game 2 of the WCWS Finals across ESPN and ESPNU, which set the record for the championship round’s second game. In all, the tournament surpassed 2021 as the most-watched WCWS, with an average of 1.3 million viewers across 15 games on ESPN platforms, and a 24% increase from 2024.
Over the past few years, women’s sports have exploded in popularity, with more platforms making it easier to view games and follow teams. With such a high spike in viewership, it’s great for ESPN as it gives the network another valuable property to entice consumers, and it gears up to launch its new and improved direct-to-consumer streaming app. The app will bring all of ESPN’s networks under one roof, for as low as $29.99 per month, and offer personalized content, betting integration, and more. As part of the company’s strategy to continue to adapt to never-cutters and younger viewers, the app is a resource for those who often prefer on-demand or mobile-friendly viewing options.