Iowa’s historic 71-69 win against UConn in the NCAA Final Four drew a record-breaking 14.2 million viewers, making it the most-watched game in women’s college basketball history. The game also produced the highest audience for a basketball game, surpassing both college and professional matchups. ESPN reported that the game peaked at 17 million viewers, beating out the World Series and NBA Finals in terms of viewership. This game followed Iowa’s victory over LSU in the Elite Eight, which also set a viewership record with 12.3 million viewers. Caitlin Clark, the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, played a key role in leading the Hawkeyes to victory, scoring 21 points alongside sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke, who contributed 23 points.
In the previous Final Four game, South Carolina secured a dominant 78-59 win against NC State, with a peak viewership of 9 million. ESPN reported that the 2024 Final Four’s average viewership of 10.8 million marked a significant increase of 138% compared to the previous year. South Carolina has remained unbeaten throughout the season, establishing themselves as a formidable force in women’s basketball. As Iowa prepares to face South Carolina in the national championship, Caitlin Clark acknowledged the Gamecocks as the “top of the top,” expressing their determination to compete at the highest level in the upcoming game. The championship game is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, pitting the undefeated South Carolina against the determined Hawkeyes in a highly anticipated matchup.
The high viewership for the NCAA Final Four game between Iowa and UConn not only set records for women’s college basketball but also made it one of the most-watched basketball games in history, surpassing major professional sports events. Caitlin Clark’s impressive performance, combined with the strong contribution from her teammates, propelled Iowa to victory over UConn, showcasing the talent and skill of the Hawkeyes on a national stage. South Carolina’s dominant win against NC State further added to the excitement surrounding the Final Four, setting the stage for a thrilling championship matchup between two top teams in women’s college basketball. The increase in viewership for the 2024 Final Four reflects the growing popularity and interest in women’s basketball, highlighting the competitive and compelling nature of the sport.
As Iowa and South Carolina prepare to face off in the national championship, the anticipation and excitement among fans continue to build. The clash between the undefeated Gamecocks and the resilient Hawkeyes promises to be a thrilling and closely contested game, with both teams aiming to secure the coveted title. Caitlin Clark’s leadership and scoring prowess, along with the formidable presence of South Carolina, set the stage for an intense battle between two powerhouse programs. The championship game not only represents the culmination of a highly competitive season but also serves as a testament to the dedication and skill of the players and coaches who have worked tirelessly to reach this pinnacle of success.
With the record-breaking viewership and heightened interest in women’s college basketball, the Final Four and national championship game serve as a platform to showcase the talent and athleticism of the players, while also capturing the attention of a broader audience. The success of teams like Iowa and South Carolina in reaching the championship game underscores the competitive nature of women’s basketball and the level of skill and determination required to excel in the sport. As the championship game approaches, fans and viewers eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of a thrilling season, with the prospect of witnessing history being made on the court. The matchup between Iowa and South Carolina is set to be a memorable and compelling contest that highlights the best of women’s college basketball and captivates audiences across the country.
