18.6m viewers tuned in to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Almost 18.6 million Australians watched the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 across the screens of Seven, including 14.76 million reached on broadcast and 3.82 million on 7plus.

The Seven Network’s live and free coverage delivered the biggest viewing audiences across all screens since the OzTAM audience measurement system started in 2001.

Last night’s final reached 5.54 million Australians, as Spain triumphed over 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 last night nationally and in the capital cities in all people, 25 to 54s and 16 to 39s. 7plus dominated BVOD viewing yesterday, 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 timeslot, scoring a 66.1% commercial audience share in total people, 70.5% in 25 to 54s and 78.4% in 16 to 39s.

The Matildas’ semi final game against England 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.

Matildas TV audiences (total people):

More than 547 million minutes of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 content has been watched on 7plus to date.

MD 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.

“Seven’s unparalleled live and free coverage of the event, underpinned by our team of passionate, expert commentators, reaffirms our ongoing commitment to celebrate and grow both men’s and women’s sports across all codes," he said.

"From the AFLW and the WBBL to women’s international cricket and more, Seven has a strong legacy of bringing the best in sports to Australians that inspires the next generation.

“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 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," said Burnette.

"Audience numbers on Seven and 7plus, in partnership with Optus, surpassed our expectations to deliver incredible results for our brand partners, while creating a halo effect across the rest of our schedule like we’ve never seen before. 

“No other medium other can create the same mass cultural impact as TV and 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."

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