Harvard Women’s Basketball Sees Surge in Attendance as Popularity Rises

The Harvard women’s basketball team is experiencing a surge in popularity this season, with attendance at home games reaching an average of 1,054 – a significant increase from last year. This rise in attendance has narrowed the gap with the men’s team, which saw a slight decrease in attendance to an average of 1,339 attendees.

The growing interest in women’s college basketball was further highlighted by the recent NCAA championship game, where viewership for the women’s game surpassed that of the men’s game for the first time. Fans tuned in to watch University of Iowa star Caitlin Clark in her final collegiate game against the University of Connecticut.

Former University President Claudine Gay and Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey were spotted sitting courtside at a home game in January, showing their support for the Harvard women’s team. Players like Katie Krupa and Harmoni Turner have noticed the increased attention for women’s basketball both on and off the court.

Despite the challenges of playing women’s basketball before its recent surge in popularity, players like Elle E. Stauffer are embracing the change and enjoying the larger crowds at games. The team has seen sellout crowds and a shift in the demographic of fans, with younger families and enthusiastic supporters filling the stands.

The Ivy League has also been producing top talent in recent years, with players like McKenzie E. Forbes being drafted into the WNBA. Turner expressed a desire for the Ivy League to receive more recognition for its competitive basketball programs, noting that teams like Columbia have had successful seasons.

As the Harvard women’s basketball team continues to thrive both academically and athletically, players like Stauffer are proud of the dedication and talent they bring to the court. With the increased interest in women’s basketball, the future looks bright for the team and the sport as a whole.