Women’s College World Series Outdraws Men’s in 2025 TV Ratings
The Women's College World Series achieved record viewership, averaging 1.3 million viewers per game across ESPN platforms. Those numbers not only were part of the most-watched NCAA softball game ever, but they even beat out the Men's College World Series, which saw 1.2 million tune in.
Now even though the difference may seem slight, it really is huge not only for the growth of softball, but for women's sports as a whole.
The Women's College World Series averaged more viewers (1.3M) than the Men's College World Series (1.2M).🥎🚀 pic.twitter.com/9VGwr8YxiM
— Softball Portal (@SoftballPortal) June 25, 2025
The popularity of softball has grown exponentially in recent years. This year saw a 24% increase in viewership from the 2024 WCWS, and the excitement has reached the professional ranks too.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League, which is in its inaugural season, is backed by Major League Baseball. The MLB streams all AUSL games for free on its website, with some of those being shown on the MLB Network.
They are also helping out by featuring AUSL athletes at events like the Home Run Derby and All-Star game, as well as contributing to the financial side of the game.
Major League Baseball today announced a strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), marking a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive partnership with a women’s professional sports league.
— MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2025
The new pro softball league launches its inaugural season with Opening… pic.twitter.com/0py7PAVuEv
The growth of the game continues into the international level as it was recently announced that softball will officially be added to the LA 2028 Olympics. All games will be played in Oklahoma City at Devon Park, which is the home of the WCWS.
With record breaking viewership, a new professional league, and the sport now being back in the Olympic Games, the growth of softball continues to rise and will only go up from here.
Continue to watch, invest in, and support these amazing athletes, teams, and coaches so that the sport can keep reaching new heights.
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Sarah Person was born and raised in Nebraska and has lived there her whole life. She is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in sports media and broadcasting. She did everything during her time at UNL, including writing, anchoring, broadcasting, and photography. Sarah has had a lifelong passion for sports and is excited to continue that passion through her work for Softball on SI.
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