South Carolina-Iowa NCAA Women's Title Game Shatters TV Ratings Records
The championship game drew an unprecedented 18.9 million viewers, surpassing men's basketball and setting a new standard in women's sports viewership.
- South Carolina defeated Iowa 87-75 in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, attracting 18.9 million viewers, the highest ever for a women's basketball game.
- The viewership for the women's final was significantly higher than the men's game, which had 14.82 million viewers, showcasing a growing interest in women's sports.
- Caitlin Clark of Iowa, who broke the NCAA all-time scoring record, played a pivotal role in drawing viewers, with the game reaching a peak of 24.1 million viewers in the last 15 minutes.
- The success of the women's tournament reflects broader trends in media, with increased exposure and promotion of women's sports leading to higher ratings.
- Experts suggest the 'Caitlin Clark effect' and improved coverage are key factors behind the surge in popularity of women's basketball.