The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has captured the hearts and minds of the nation, with the Seven Network’s coverage delivering the biggest viewing audiences across all screens since the OzTAM audience measurement system started in 2001.
Almost 18.6 million Australians watched the tournament across the screens of Seven, including 14.76 million reached on broadcast and 3.82 million on 7plus.
The Final which took place on Sunday 20 August 2023, reached 5.54 million Australians, with Spain beating England to become the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 champions.
The Final drew an average national total audience of 3.08 million on Seven and 7plus, including 2.7 million viewers on Seven (2 million in the capital cities) and another 373,000 viewers on 7plus.
The Final was the #1 broadcast program the night it aired, nationally and in the capital cities, in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. 7plus dominated BVOD viewing, with a 59.2% share. In live streaming, it had an 66.3% share.
The game peaked at 3.21 million viewers on broadcast and dominated its broadcast time slot, scoring a 66.1% commercial audience share in total people, 70.5% in 25 to 54s and 78.4% in 16 to 39s.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 delivered some of the biggest total TV audience numbers seen in Australia in years.
The Matildas’ Semi Final against England on 16 August became the most-watched TV program in more than two decades, with an average audience of 7.2 million and a reach of 11.15 million. It was also the most streamed event ever in Australia, with 957,000 viewers on 7plus.
More than 547 million minutes of The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 content has been watched on 7plus to date.
Managing director of Seven Melbourne and head of network sport, Lewis Martin, said: “Seven’s broadcast of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in partnership with Optus Sport showcased the growing passion for women’s football and the undeniable fact that sport brings Australians together.
“This World Cup has been like no other and has set a new benchmark for future tournaments. The Matildas have been nothing short of spectacular and we’re honoured to have shared their remarkable journey.”
Seven West Media’s chief revenue officer, Kurt Burnette, said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 firmly cemented itself as the biggest broadcast and digital viewing event in Australian history.
“We knew it would be a cultural game changer and it’s been just that – categorically shaping culture and changing behaviours.
“We’re proud that Seven’s coverage united Australia, created a shared sense of pride across the nation and produced lasting memories that will inspire a new generation.”
See Also: Seven reports Matildas semi-final clash breaks viewing records