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3w ago

NCAA Basketball Viewership Trends Highlight Women's Growth and Men's Mixed Results

The 2025 NCAA tournaments show record-breaking women's basketball viewership and fluctuating ratings for the men's games, with Auburn's Elite Eight win drawing the largest audience so far.

Mar 31, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) is fouled by USC Trojans guard Malia Samuels (10) during the second half of an Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The March Madness logo is seen on a basketball during the NCAA tournament midwest regional practice day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images/File Photo
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) dribbles against Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) during the first half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The NCAA men's basketball tournament is averaging 9.4 million viewers per game window, consistent with 2024 and up 3% from 2023.
  • Auburn's Elite Eight victory over Michigan State attracted 11.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the 2025 tournament so far.
  • Sunday's Elite Eight matchups saw significant declines, with Houston-Tennessee drawing 7.1 million viewers, the lowest for a Sunday Elite Eight game since at least 2008.
  • The NCAA women's regional semifinals continue to gain momentum, with LSU-NC State's game up 22% in viewership compared to the same window last year.
  • Broader trends in sports media, including the influence of key teams and players, are driving shifts in audience engagement across both tournaments.