Recent Ratings Roundup: ESPN Digital Sets Records, Most-Watched NHL Game on ABC, Hank Aaron Anniversary Coverage, and More

ESPN Digital continues to dominate the sports media landscape, achieving its best February on record with 103.4 million unique visitors, reaching nearly half of all users in the U.S. Sports category. The ESPN App and ESPN Fantasy App also maintained their positions as the top apps in their respective categories, with impressive user numbers.

In the world of hockey, the Panthers-Bruins matchup on ABC delivered the most-viewed NHL game on the network this season, excluding the Stadium Series. With an average of 1.2 million viewers and a peak of 1.5 million, the game saw a significant increase in viewership compared to last year’s comparable window. The Dallas-Colorado game on Sunday also saw a rise in viewership, contributing to the overall success of NHL on ESPN this season.

Bally Sports’ coverage of the Hank Aaron anniversary celebration during the Mets vs. Braves game garnered over 97,000 viewers, making it the most-watched program in the Atlanta DMA. The tribute to the baseball legend included special appearances and interviews, adding to the emotional significance of the broadcast.

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Championship and Final Four on ESPN platforms made history with record-breaking viewership numbers. The championship game between Iowa and South Carolina became the most-viewed women’s college basketball game ever, attracting 18.9 million viewers and peaking at 24.1 million in the final minutes. The entire tournament saw a significant increase in viewership, solidifying its place as a must-watch event in the world of sports.

Overall, the latest ratings roundup showcases the continued success and popularity of sports programming across various platforms, highlighting the enduring appeal of live sports content to audiences worldwide.