“Nothing short of spectacular”

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 now ended, Seven has toasted its season success, with the biggest viewing audiences since the OzTAM audience measurement system started in 2001.

According to Seven 18.6 million Australians watched the tournament including 14.76 million reached on broadcast and 3.82 million on 7plus.

The Final drew an average national total audience of 3.066 million on Seven and 7plus, including 1.95 million viewers on Seven and another 373,000 viewers on 7plus.

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. It was also the most streamed event ever in Australia, with 957,000 viewers on 7plus.

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. 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,” he said.

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. 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,” he said.