The hype surrounding the NCAA women’s basketball Final Four has drastically increased in the past year, with the rise in popularity attributed to players like Iowa star Caitlin Clark. Television ratings for women’s college basketball have reached record numbers, with over 12 million viewers watching Clark’s game against LSU, surpassing the average viewership for major sports events like the MLB World Series or NBA Finals. This surge in viewership indicates the growing interest and recognition of women’s NCAA basketball among casual sports fans.
The record-breaking viewership for the Iowa-LSU game has highlighted the sport’s increasing popularity, with previous games involving Iowa also breaking records for non-championship matchups. This trend is further demonstrated by the significant increase in Google searches for women’s college basketball, surpassing searches for major entertainment events like Beyoncé’s album release and even US President Joe Biden. Additionally, the number of Americans filling out women’s tournament brackets has more than doubled in recent years, indicating a shift in interest towards women’s basketball.
The increase in viewership and engagement with women’s college basketball is not limited to casual fans but extends to those willing to spend money to watch the games live. Ticket prices for the women’s tournament Final Four have been higher than the men’s Final Four, reflecting the growing demand for women’s basketball events. This shift in ticket pricing would have been surprising just two years ago but has become more evident in recent weeks due to the heightened interest in women’s NCAA basketball.
The success of women’s college basketball in capturing the attention of a wider audience is evident in the record-breaking viewership numbers and increased engagement with the sport through Google searches and bracket competitions. The rise of players like Caitlin Clark has contributed to the sport’s growing popularity, culminating in higher ticket prices for women’s basketball events like the Final Four. This shift in interest and engagement with women’s NCAA basketball marks a significant milestone for the sport and indicates a promising future in terms of viewership and recognition among sports fans.
The viewership record for the Iowa-LSU game signals a turning point in the recognition and appreciation of women’s college basketball, with record-breaking numbers indicating a shift in interest towards the sport. The increased engagement through Google searches, bracket competitions, and ticket sales further solidifies women’s NCAA basketball’s growing popularity among a diverse audience. The success of players like Caitlin Clark has played a crucial role in elevating the sport’s profile and attracting a larger fan base, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the future.
