NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has voiced his support for the LSU women’s basketball team and star player Angel Reese. In a recent episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal mentioned that he has been more interested in the women’s game as a whole than the men’s, stating that “women’s basketball is kicking a–.” He expressed his surprise at his newfound interest in women’s basketball after watching some of the NCAA tournament games, highlighting players like Juju Watkins, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese.
The popularity of women’s college basketball has soared this year, thanks to standout players like Reese, Clark, and Watkins. The Elite Eight game between Iowa and LSU drew record numbers, averaging 12.3 million viewers on ESPN – making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history. Ticket sales for the women’s Final Four are also breaking records, with the average semifinal ticket going for $1,994 on StubHub. This surge in interest has caught the attention of NBA superstar LeBron James, who noted that the popularity of the women’s game is due in part to the iconic players it features.
LeBron James, whose son recently declared for the NBA Draft, commented on the increasing interest in women’s college basketball, noting that there may not be much of a difference between the men’s and women’s game in terms of popularity. He highlighted the presence of iconic players in the women’s game as a key factor in its growing popularity. This year’s women’s Final Four matchups, featuring teams like South Carolina and NC State, have generated significant excitement among fans and media alike. The increased interest in women’s college basketball is evident in both TV viewership numbers and ticket prices.
Shaquille O’Neal’s endorsement of women’s basketball and his focus on following the LSU women’s team indicates a shift in interest towards the women’s game. He praised players like Juju Watkins, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese for their impressive performances during the NCAA tournament games. The success of women’s college basketball this year has attracted significant attention, with record-breaking viewership numbers for games and high ticket prices for the Final Four matchups. LeBron James also acknowledged the rising popularity of women’s basketball, emphasizing the impact of iconic players on the sport’s appeal. This increased interest in women’s college basketball reflects a broader trend towards greater recognition and support for female athletes in the sports world.
