The women’s Final Four game between Iowa and UConn was the most-viewed women’s basketball game on record, with an average of 14.2 million viewers on ESPN. This surpassed the previous record of 12.3 million viewers for the Iowa-LSU game in the Elite Eight. The game also saw a peak audience of 17 million, making it one of the top 50 primetime telecasts of 2024. It was ESPN’s second-highest audience for a non-football broadcast, behind the United States-Portugal match during the 2014 men’s World Cup.
The high viewership for the Iowa-UConn game also makes it one of the most-viewed games in any sport other than college football and the NFL over the past couple of years. This level of interest in women’s basketball is a positive sign for the sport’s growth and popularity. The NCAA men’s title game between San Diego State and UConn last year averaged 14.79 million viewers, further showcasing the appeal of college basketball. The game between Iowa and UConn will go down in history as one of the most-watched women’s basketball games ever.
In addition to the Iowa-UConn game, the other women’s national semifinal game between South Carolina and North Carolina State also drew a large audience, with an average of 7.1 million viewers. This was the third most-watched women’s national semifinal since records began being kept in 1992. The high viewership for both semifinal games indicates a growing interest in women’s college basketball and showcases the talent and excitement of the sport. The increase in viewership over last year further highlights the rising popularity of women’s basketball.
Clark’s performances during March Madness games on ESPN and ABC have also been a draw for viewers, with an average of 8.3 million viewers tuning in. Iowa will face South Carolina in the national championship game, which is expected to be a highly anticipated and watched event. The continued success and interest in women’s basketball at all levels bodes well for the future of the sport, as more fans are tuning in to watch exciting matchups and talented athletes compete on the court. The coverage of March Madness has also been a key factor in attracting viewers and showcasing the skill and intensity of women’s basketball games.
Overall, the high viewership numbers for the women’s Final Four games and the national championship game indicate a growing interest and appreciation for women’s college basketball. The success and popularity of these games reflect a broader trend of increased viewership for women’s sports and a growing demand for more coverage and opportunities for female athletes. As more people tune in to watch women’s basketball games, the sport’s visibility and recognition continue to grow, offering a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation of players. The record-breaking viewership for the Iowa-UConn game and the overall success of the women’s Final Four highlight the excitement and appeal of women’s college basketball.
