The national championship game of the women’s college basketball season ended with three sportsbooks declaring it their most bet-on female sports event ever. Chuck Esposito, the director of the Red Rock Las Vegas race and sportsbook, noted that the game shattered handle records and had an unprecedented number of betting tickets written on it. The game between South Carolina and Iowa garnered significant interest from the viewing and betting public, with the action taking place on the main screen with audio at Red Rock, highlighting the widespread engagement with the event.
Jay Kornegay, the executive vice president of race and sports operations at Westgate, mentioned that the South Carolina vs. Iowa matchup nearly doubled the betting activity of Iowa’s Elite Eight victory over LSU. Despite not being played in prime time, the national championship game attracted a significant amount of money bet, reflecting the high level of anticipation for the matchup. BetMGM also reported that this was their most wagered women’s sports event, indicating the immense popularity and interest in the game.
The highly anticipated showdown featured South Carolina attempting to secure its third title under coach Dawn Staley against Iowa, led by two-time AP Player of the Year Caitlin Clark. Clark’s exceptional abilities, particularly her proficiency in taking 3-pointers from various spots on the court, made her a key draw for both betting and television audiences. Her presence in the game helped bring record numbers of viewers to women’s college basketball, showcasing the growing popularity and recognition of the sport. It was also noted that this game marked Clark’s final appearance for Iowa before entering the WNBA draft, where she is expected to be the top pick by the Indiana Fever.
Overall, the national championship game of the women’s college basketball season generated significant interest and engagement from sports bettors, with multiple sportsbooks experiencing record-breaking betting activity on the matchup. The presence of standout players like Caitlin Clark, coupled with the highly anticipated clash between South Carolina and Iowa, helped drive immense betting and viewership numbers. The game highlighted the growing popularity of women’s college basketball and the increasing recognition of female athletes in the sports betting world. As the season culminated in a historic showdown, the national championship game marked a significant moment in the sport’s evolution and growth.
