South Carolina’s Victory in Women’s NCAA Championship Game Achieves Milestones

South Carolina’s 87-75 victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the women’s NCAA championship game has not only secured the Gamecocks their fourth national title but has also achieved a pair of significant milestones in women’s college basketball history.

The game, which aired on ABC and ESPN, drew an impressive average of 18.9 million viewers, making it the first time the women’s title game outdrew the men’s championship game. In comparison, UConn’s victory over Purdue in the men’s final averaged 14.82 million viewers, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s basketball.

The audience for the championship game peaked at 24.1 million during the final 15 minutes, making it the second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting event on U.S. television. The record for the most-watched women’s basketball game still belongs to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal game between the United States and Brazil, which averaged 19.5 million viewers.

The increase in viewership can be attributed to the exceptional quality of the women’s game and the rise of stars like Caitlin Clark, who has captured the attention of fans across the country. Clark, who led Iowa to the championship game, has been a standout player throughout March Madness and has helped elevate the profile of women’s college basketball.

As Clark prepares to transition to the WNBA, many are wondering if the college game can continue to attract large audiences. However, with a new generation of talented freshmen set to make their mark on the sport, there is optimism that the growth of women’s basketball will continue.

The exposure of women’s basketball on network television during the regular season has also played a significant role in increasing interest in the sport. With networks like Fox, NBC, and CBS showcasing women’s games, the visibility of the sport has never been higher.

Overall, the success of this year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament has set the stage for further growth and increased viewership in the future. The captivating performances of players like Caitlin Clark have drawn in new fans and elevated the status of women’s college basketball on a national stage.