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The Lionesses’ win over Australia in the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final was watched by more than 11 million people across the linear and digital platforms of the UK’s BBC public service broadcaster.
Confirmed:
- Coverage of England’s 3-1 win on the BBC One linear channel drew a peak audience of 7.3 million
- An additional 3.8 million streamed the game on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport digital platforms
- Highlights and clips from the game have already racked up 2.7 million requests on the BBC’s digital channels
- Australian free-to-air (FTA) network Seven’s coverage of the Matildas’ semi-final defeat reached 11.15 million people nationwide
- Seven’s broadcast was watched by an average audience of 7.13 million, scoring a 43 per cent audience share
- 957,000 people streamed the game on 7plus
Context:
In the UK, the semi-final broadcast is the most-watched match of the tournament so far on either the BBC or ITV, despite the unfavourable time slot and being played midweek. In Australia, the Matildas’ defeat is the most-watched TV broadcast of any genre since the OzTam measurement system was established in 2001. Seven’s viewing figures does not account for out-of-home viewing in commercial venues, while also not including those who streamed the game on subscription streaming service Optus Sport.
Comment:
“Australia was captivated last night as the Matildas played their hearts out and did us all proud,” said Lewis Martin, Seven Melbourne managing director and head of sport.
“Seven is beyond proud to have played a part in bringing Australia together around our screens, as the Matildas’ performance captured the Australian spirit like nothing we have seen in decades.”
Coming next:
The Matildas will next play Sweden in the third-place playoff on 19th August, while the Lionesses will play Spain in the World Cup final a day later.
