TV Ratings, Crowd Figures Soar

NBC’s broadcast of the inaugural WNBA game between Los Angeles and New York topped all Saturday afternoon sports shows, receiving a 3.8 overnight national rating.

“That’s an outstanding rating, better than we projected,” WNBA president Val Ackerman said Sunday in Phoenix before the Mercury completed the league’s opening weekend with a 76-59 victory over Charlotte.

“I think to feel the enthusiasm and see the excitement coming from the fans and from the team people is very gratifying for us, and it’s a positive reinforcement in every way.”

Each ratings point represents 972,000 homes.

A crowd of 16,102 attended Sunday’s game at America West Arena, breaking the record for a women’s professional game in the United States set Saturday when 14,284 watched New York’s 67-57 victory at Los Angeles.

The two other openers Saturday also attracted large crowds, with 11,455 fans attending Houston’s victory at Cleveland, and 8,915 on hand for Sacramento’s victory at Utah.