The NCAA Women’s Championship game between Iowa and South Carolina made history on Sunday, capturing the attention of a record-breaking 18.7 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. This game not only peaked at 24 million viewers, but it also became the most-watched NCAA women’s college basketball game since 1992. The viewership for this championship game skyrocketed by 89% compared to last year’s women’s championship and an astounding 285% from 2022, according to ESPN.
The matchup between Caitlin Clark-led Iowa and South Carolina was not only a thrilling game but also a significant milestone for women’s basketball. In fact, it became the most-watched basketball game, encompassing both men’s and women’s college or professional basketball, since 2019. The impressive display of talent and skill showcased by these athletes has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on fans and viewers.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed his admiration for the record-setting audience, stating that the Iowa-South Carolina title game was a fitting conclusion to the most-viewed NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament ever. Pitaro also emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum and continuing to support these exceptional athletes, coaches, and teams.
The semifinals between Iowa and the University of Connecticut also contributed to the surge in viewership, reaching its peak at an impressive 17 million viewers. This remarkable growth can be attributed, in part, to players like Caitlin Clark. Clark’s exceptional performance on the court has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, generating significant interest in women’s basketball and attracting new viewers. At just 22 years old, Clark has dominated the game and set numerous records, including what is now known as the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” which has further captivated fans and increased the popularity of women’s basketball.
This record-breaking NCAA Women’s Championship game and the overwhelming success of the March Madness tournament serve as another significant moment for women’s sports in 2023. The year has seen women’s sports achieve unprecedented milestones, with Deloitte predicting that revenue generated by women’s elite sports could surpass $1 billion this year. This projection represents a remarkable 300% increase from just three years ago. The growing interest and investment in women’s sports have led to groundbreaking media deals and attracted private investors and celebrities, ultimately driving valuations for women’s sports to record levels.
The Iowa-South Carolina NCAA Women’s Championship game was not only a thrilling competition but also a pivotal moment for women’s basketball and women’s sports in general. The record-breaking viewership numbers and the increased interest in the sport demonstrate the immense talent and captivating performances by these athletes. With this extraordinary momentum, it is clear that women’s sports are on an upward trajectory, and fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking moments in the future.
