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4w ago

UConn Wins 2025 NCAA Women’s Title as Viewership Declines from Record Highs

The Huskies dominated South Carolina 82-59 in a game that drew 8.5 million viewers, marking a steep drop from 2024's record-setting audience but still ranking as the third-most watched in tournament history.

Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Bree Hall (23) during the first half during the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • UConn defeated South Carolina 82-59 to claim its 12th NCAA women’s basketball championship under coach Geno Auriemma.
  • The 2025 title game drew 8.5 million viewers, a 55% drop from the record-breaking 18.9 million who tuned in for the 2024 championship featuring Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
  • Despite the decline, the game remains the third-most watched women’s college basketball game in the Nielsen people meter era, dating back to 1988.
  • Viewership was 75% higher than the last UConn-South Carolina title matchup in 2022, which aired on cable and drew 4.85 million viewers.
  • Analysts attribute the drop in viewership partly to the absence of marquee players like Caitlin Clark and suggest that future ratings may stabilize around 5-10 million viewers.