The Rise of Women’s College Basketball: A Historic Moment

The 2023-2024 women’s college basketball season may have come to a close, but the excitement and interest in the sport are just getting started. This past season saw record-breaking ticket sales, increased viewership, and a surge in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for women athletes.

All five power conferences reported high ticket sales leading up to March Madness, with the University of Iowa experiencing a remarkable 162% increase in average ticket sale prices. Much of this success can be attributed to star player Caitlin Clark, who broke NCAA scoring records and engaged in intense matchups with other top players like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Kamilla Cardoso.

Following South Carolina’s victory in the NCAA Tournament Championship, head coach Dawn Staley credited Clark for elevating the sport and thanked her for bringing attention to women’s basketball.

Viewership for women’s basketball also reached new heights, with the Final Four matchup between UConn and Iowa attracting 14.2 million viewers and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final between Iowa and South Carolina drawing 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever.

The rise of women’s basketball has not gone unnoticed, with soccer star Megan Rapinoe praising the players for their incredible performances and marketability. NIL deals have played a significant role in boosting the presence of women’s basketball, with major brands offering more opportunities for women athletes to showcase their talent.

As players like Clark, Cardoso, and others prepare for the WNBA, the future looks bright for women’s basketball. With increased support, recognition, and investment in women athletes, the momentum for women’s hoopers is at an all-time high, marking a historic moment for the sport.