The NCAA women’s basketball national championship between South Carolina and Iowa broke records with 18.7 million views and a peak of 24 million viewers on ABC. This marked an 89% increase from last year’s championship and a 285% increase from the 2022 championship. The game was the most-watched sporting event outside of American football and the Olympics since 2019. The high ratings were attributed to the Gamecocks’ pursuit of a second championship in three seasons and Caitlin Clark’s quest to end her collegiate career with a title, despite scoring 30 points in the game.
Caitlin Clark’s scoring prowess garnered global attention to women’s basketball, with South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praising her for elevating the sport over the past two seasons. Staley expressed gratitude to Clark for her contributions and predicted that she would continue to have a significant impact when she becomes the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. Iowa has been involved in several record-breaking ratings in their previous games, including a win against UConn with 14.2 million viewers and a victory over LSU with 12.3 million viewers. These achievements showcase the rising interest in women’s basketball and the star power of players like Clark.
The high viewership for the championship game reflects the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the talent of standout players like Caitlin Clark. Staley’s acknowledgment of Clark’s influence on the sport highlights the impact that individual players can have on increasing visibility and engagement. Iowa’s recent success on the court has attracted a significant audience, with record-breaking ratings in their past three games showcasing the team’s appeal and excitement surrounding their performances. These accomplishments underscore the rising interest in women’s college basketball and the potential for continued growth in the sport.
The record-breaking ratings for the NCAA women’s basketball national championship between South Carolina and Iowa demonstrate the widespread appeal of the sport and the ability of star players like Caitlin Clark to draw in viewers. Clark’s impressive performance in the championship game and throughout the season has helped elevate women’s basketball to new heights, with South Carolina’s victory adding to the excitement surrounding the sport. Staley’s praise for Clark and her impact on the game further emphasize the significance of individual players in driving interest and engagement in women’s basketball. The success of Iowa in attracting large audiences in their recent games highlights the growing popularity of women’s college basketball and the potential for continued growth in the sport.
