The women’s NCAA championship game between South Carolina and Iowa drew a bigger television audience than the men’s title game for the first time, with an average of 18.9 million viewers, according to ratings released on Tuesday. South Carolina defeated Iowa, denying them their first national title while winning their fourth. The game peaked at 24.1 million viewers during the final 15 minutes. This marked the second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting event on U.S. television, trailing only the 2015 Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Japan.
The women’s championship game also set a record for the most-watched women’s basketball game, outperforming the gold medal game of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics between the United States and Brazil. Nielsen’s numbers now include an estimate of viewers watching outside their homes, contributing to an overall increase in viewership. The audience for the national title game was up 90% from the previous year and 289% from South Carolina’s title game two years ago. The growth in viewership has been attributed to the overall quality of the product and increased exposure, as well as the rising tide lifting all boats in women’s sports.
While superstar Caitlin Clark was a major draw for this year’s tournament, there is optimism that the women’s game can continue to attract large audiences even as she heads to the WNBA. A strong group of freshmen, including players like JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo, have made their mark in the college game. Increased exposure during the regular season on network television, as well as upcoming events like the Women’s Champions Classic, are expected to further enhance the visibility of women’s basketball.
Experts believe that the success of this year’s tournament has laid the groundwork for further growth in women’s basketball, though perhaps not at the same level as seen with Caitlin Clark. The game has evolved significantly over the past few years, becoming faster and more competitive, with a focus on promoting its stars. Viewership during March Madness has been strong, with audiences tuning in not only for Clark’s games but also for other matchups, showcasing the overall appeal of women’s college basketball.
The return of the championship game to network television has significantly boosted the women’s game, with viewership numbers rivalling past years when major networks like CBS aired the final. This exposure has helped attract new audiences and reignite interest in women’s basketball. Coaches and players alike are hopeful that the success of this year’s tournament will lead to sustained growth and continued support for women’s sports. With talented newcomers on the horizon and a renewed spotlight on the game, the future looks bright for women’s college basketball.
In conclusion, the record-breaking viewership of the women’s NCAA championship game signals a significant milestone for women’s sports. The success of this year’s tournament, driven by star players like Caitlin Clark and a competitive field, has captured the attention of a growing audience. With continued investment in promoting the game and showcasing its top talent, the potential for further growth and success in women’s basketball is promising. The momentum gained from this year’s tournament lays a strong foundation for the future, making women’s college basketball an increasingly popular and engaging sport for fans across the country.
