In a historic moment, the NCAA women’s final game outshone its male counterpart in viewership. For the first time ever, more people tuned in to watch the women’s championship game than the men’s. The highly anticipated matchup featured the Iowa Hawkeyes, led by record-breaking star Caitlin Clark, against the No. 11-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks. Here’s a recap of the game and its impact:
The Showdown: Iowa vs. South Carolina
The stage was set for an intense battle as the Iowa Hawkeyes faced off against South Carolina. The game lived up to the hype, captivating over 18.9 million viewers on Sunday. Despite a valiant effort from Caitlin Clark, South Carolina emerged victorious with an 87-75 win, denying Iowa its chance at a first national title.
South Carolina’s Perfect Season
South Carolina’s triumph wasn’t just a victory; it marked their 10th ever perfect season in Division I women’s basketball history. Their dominance throughout the tournament showcased their skill and determination.
Men’s Final: UConn’s Back-to-Back Title
In the men’s final, defending champions UConn secured their sixth national title overall by defeating Purdue 75-60. Their back-to-back win was a remarkable achievement, making them the first team since 2007 to achieve this feat. UConn joined an elite group alongside UCLA, Kentucky, and North Carolina, each with multiple championships.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The women’s final shattered records, drawing an impressive 18.7 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. This marked the most-watched basketball broadcast since 2019. The audience peaked at a staggering 24 million, underscoring the game’s significance.
Women’s Basketball Takes Center Stage
Women’s basketball is no longer in the shadows. The audience surge reflects the growing popularity of the sport. Clark and Iowa have consistently drawn massive viewership, with their victory over UConn averaging 14.2 million and their Elite Eight rematch against LSU reaching 12.3 million.
A Bright Future
As women’s basketball continues to captivate audiences, it’s clear that the game is here to stay. The NCAA women’s championship game has become a must-watch event, rivaling even the biggest sporting spectacles.
