The University of South Carolina’s recent victory over Iowa in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game has taken the sports world by storm, setting a new viewership record for women’s college basketball. The game brought in an average of 18.7 million viewers, peaking at 24 million, making it the most-watched basketball game since 2019 across both men’s and women’s categories. Sunday’s championship match has now become the second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting event of all time, falling only behind the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final.
This game was a fitting finale to the most-viewed NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament ever, as ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro described it. South Carolina’s victory over Iowa, led by star senior guard Caitlin Clark, ended with a score of 87-75. This win came after a series of record-breaking moments for Iowa, as they first broke the viewership record in their game against LSU, then again in the Final Four against UConn, and finally in the championship game.
The increase in viewership for this year’s championship compared to last year’s match between Iowa and LSU was significant, with an 89% increase. Additionally, there was a remarkable 285% increase in viewers compared to the 2022 championship featuring South Carolina and UConn. This surge in interest and support for women’s college basketball raises questions about whether this momentum will transfer to the WNBA, as many players from top college teams are declaring for the upcoming draft.
Key players like Caitlin Clark from Iowa, Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina, and Angel Reese from LSU have all announced their entry into the WNBA draft. As these talented athletes transition to the professional level, there is curiosity about whether the passionate followings they cultivated in college will follow them to the professional league, which traditionally has lower viewership compared to the NBA. The success and popularity of women’s college basketball have the potential to bring more attention and support to the professional women’s league, which could translate into greater visibility and opportunities for players in the WNBA.
The impact of the record-breaking viewership and interest in women’s college basketball extends beyond just the NCAA tournament, as it highlights the growing popularity and recognition of women’s sports. The success of teams like South Carolina and Iowa in attracting a massive audience demonstrates the market and appetite for high-level competition in women’s basketball. With the upcoming WNBA draft and the potential influx of top college talent into the professional league, there is anticipation for how this increased visibility and support will shape the future of women’s basketball at both the college and professional levels.
As the excitement and enthusiasm for women’s basketball continue to grow, the spotlight on players like Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese only enhances the visibility and appeal of the sport. The record-breaking viewership for the NCAA championship game and the potential impact on the WNBA draft signal a promising future for women’s basketball as it gains more recognition and support from fans, media, and sponsors. The success of the recent championship game underscores the immense talent and competitive spirit in women’s college basketball, setting the stage for continued growth and opportunities in the sport.
