President Biden recently hosted the defending national NCAA champions in men’s and women’s basketball at the White House, welcoming Dawn Staley’s South Carolina women’s team and Dan Hurley’s UConn men’s team. During the ceremony celebrating Staley’s Gamecocks, Biden joked about the women’s game surpassing the men’s game in TV ratings, with the championship game being the most-watched basketball game in the last five years. He referred to Staley as a “Philly girl” and credited that aspect of her identity for South Carolina’s success. Biden’s jab at the men’s game during the South Carolina ceremony was met with laughter and applause in the East Room of the White House.
This year’s women’s NCAA final was the most-watched in history and the first to surpass a larger audience than the men’s final, averaging 18.7 million viewers on ABC and ESPN and peaking at 24 million viewers for South Carolina’s victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa. The women’s tournament set an all-time total attendance record and became the second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting event on U.S. television. In comparison, the men’s championship averaged just 14.82 million viewers to watch UConn defend its title. The historic surge in the women’s final’s viewership outperforming the men’s coincided with Clark’s rise to superstardom in women’s basketball.
Other players like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink also gained popularity that crossed into the mainstream. Jill Biden infamously suggested that Clark and Iowa visit the White House for their own visit after losing to Reese and LSU in the 2023 women’s final. The first lady apologized for the suggestion, but Reese said she was “hurt” by it and didn’t accept the apology during an appearance on the “The Paper Route Podcast” in April. The women’s game has seen a rise in viewership and popularity, with athletes like Clark making a significant impact on and off the court.
The ceremony celebrating UConn did not mention the viewership numbers, but Biden’s comments during the South Carolina ceremony highlighted the growing popularity of women’s basketball. The women’s final attracted more viewers and set attendance records, surpassing the men’s final in both aspects. The success of the women’s game has been attributed to the rise of players like Clark, Reese, and Brink, who have become household names and captured the attention of fans across the country. The increased visibility of women’s basketball has led to greater recognition and support for the sport.
President Biden’s recognition of Staley and the South Carolina women’s team, as well as Hurley and the UConn men’s team, showcased the achievements of both programs. Biden’s jokes about the women’s game surpassing the men’s game in TV ratings highlighted the changing landscape of basketball viewership. The women’s game has seen a surge in popularity, with record-breaking viewership numbers and total attendance figures. The success of women’s basketball has been fueled by the rise of star players like Clark and Reese, who have brought attention to the sport and inspired a new generation of fans.
Overall, President Biden’s ceremony at the White House celebrated the accomplishments of both the South Carolina women’s team and the UConn men’s team. The historic viewership numbers for the women’s NCAA final have brought increased attention to women’s basketball and highlighted the talent and skill of the players. With the rise of players like Clark, Reese, and Brink, the future of women’s basketball looks bright, and the sport continues to gain momentum and recognition on a national stage. Biden’s remarks and the success of the women’s game emphasize the importance of supporting and promoting women’s sports in order to ensure continued growth and success in the years to come.
