Biggest viewing audience across all screens since OzTam began: Seven gets more than it bargained for as womens football puts everything in the shade

News 21 Aug 2023 - 2 min read

Biggest viewing audience across all screens since OzTam began: Seven gets more than it bargained for as womens football puts everything in the shade

By Staff writer

Matilda's semi final appearance reached more than 11 million Australians

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Tags: FIFA Women's World Cup

Seven Network scored huge audiences for its coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup with almost 18.6 million Australians tuning in over the course of the tournament, including over 11 million for semi final between Australia and England. It was 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.

Seven’s Womens World Cup coverage delivered the biggest viewing audiences across all screens since the OzTAM audience measurement system started in 2001. The result, driven by the success of the home team making the semis, brought almost 18.6 million Australians to the Network including 14.76 million reached on broadcast and 3.82 million on 7plus.

The Matilda's semi-final, which included a stunning goal by Sam Kerr, but also sadly three goals by the English team, had a reach of 11.15m. The final itself, which England lost to Spain, reached 5.54 million with 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.

"This World Cup has been like no other and has set a new benchmark for future tournaments," said MD of Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin. "The Matildas have been nothing short of spectacular and we're honoured to have shared their remarkable journey."

Chief Revenue Officer Kurt Burnette suggested the numbers exceeded Seven's forecasts.

“We knew it would be a cultural game changer and it’s been just that – categorically shaping culture and changing behaviours. 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."