Dawn Staley Credits Caitlin Clark for the Soaring Women’s Basketball Ratings
Women’s college basketball has seen a tremendous rise in popularity over the past two years, and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley believes that Caitlin Clark is the main reason behind this phenomenon. Staley spoke about Clark’s impact during a recent radio interview with 670 The Score in Chicago, emphasizing her contribution to the growth of the sport.
Staley has been vocal about wanting women’s basketball to thrive, and she believes that acknowledging Clark’s influence is crucial in achieving this goal. “She’s made it grow over the past two years,” Staley stated during the interview. Clark’s on-court performances have attracted record viewership, particularly during the NCAA Tournament. In fact, three consecutive telecasts during the tournament set new records, culminating in a staggering 18.7 million viewers tuning in for the national title game between Iowa and eventual champion South Carolina.
The surge in popularity surrounding Caitlin Clark has sparked debates about her place in women’s college basketball history and the extent of her impact on its growing popularity. Staley acknowledges these discussions and believes that it is essential to tell the stories of the entire game. She suggests that going against the masses and focusing on real-time events can help shed light on the broader picture. According to Staley, Clark is the sole reason for the exponential increase in viewership, and decision-makers are now recognizing the importance of showcasing other talented players and teams alongside her.
Staley argues that Clark’s presence not only draws in fans but also exposes them to other remarkable athletes and teams. She highlights the massive viewership numbers for the national title game, where spectators had the opportunity to witness the talent that South Carolina has to offer. By broadening the exposure beyond a single player, Staley believes that women’s college basketball can continue to captivate and engage a wider audience.
Caitlin Clark’s impact on the sport has already extended to the professional level. Her selection as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the recent WNBA draft attracted an impressive 2.4 million viewers. This demonstrates that Clark’s influence transcends college basketball and has the potential to reshape the future of women’s basketball at all levels.
As women’s college basketball continues to soar in popularity, thanks in large part to Caitlin Clark, it is clear that her contributions are leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Her exceptional performances and ability to draw in viewers have sparked important discussions about the game’s future and how it can continue to expand its reach. With players like Clark at the forefront, women’s basketball is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
