Sunday's sold-out Wembley final capped a fine season for Carabao Cup attendances.
The figure of more than 1.7million paying punters across the competition was the highest since its change in format in 2001-02 and was up 20 per cent on last season.
The fact the clash between Newcastle and Liverpool was free-to-air for the first time in more than a decade also left delighted EFL officials expecting a boost in audience figures.
The game, which the Magpies won 2-1 to end their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy, was broadcast for free on ITV.