Interest in women’s basketball is skyrocketing, with record-breaking viewership and attendance at NCAA tournament games. Iowa guard Caitlin Clark has been a driving force in this popularity surge, but there are other factors at play. The NCAA’s vice president of women’s basketball, Lynn Holzman, noted that record crowds and ratings are making the tournament a must-watch event for fans across the world. As the tournament resumes with region semifinal games in Albany, N.Y., and Portland, Ore., there is a growing belief in the sport that it may be time to rethink the process of selecting host cities to maximize the game’s popularity. Analyst Debbie Antonelli believes it is the perfect time to explore new options given the current resurgence of women’s basketball.
The NCAA has been using a two-site format for women’s basketball regionals since last year after the success of San Antonio as a single-site host during the pandemic. Committee chair Lisa Peterson explained that the condensed regionals feel like mini-Final Fours, with six games and eight fan bases. The committee has aimed to hold regionals in areas with high interest in women’s basketball to boost ticket sales. However, factors such as location, ease of travel, and entertainment options also play a role in the selection process. Peterson emphasized the importance of the regional sites offering experiences beyond just the basketball games, highlighting the changing dynamics and considerations involved in hosting these events.
Antonelli has been advocating for a larger-scale approach to hosting women’s basketball events, suggesting that a single, consistent destination similar to the men’s and women’s College World Series could maximize fan engagement and interest. While this idea may seem drastic, the current landscape of women’s basketball presents more opportunities and interested host cities than in the past. Antonelli believes that the success and quality of the game provide a strong foundation for elevating other aspects of the presentation and promotion of women’s basketball. She sees a shift in mindset as crucial to taking the game to new heights and reaching a broader audience.
Discussions have also arisen about potentially changing the format of the opening rounds of the tournament, with the men’s and women’s tournaments currently following different structures. The sentiment among coaches in Albany favored the current format, which allows the top four seeds in each region to host the first two rounds on their home court. While this guarantees strong crowds and a significant home-court advantage, some believe that a neutral host city format, like the men’s tournament, could be worth considering. The overall interest in women’s basketball is on an upward trajectory, prompting a closer look at all options to maximize the sport’s growing popularity and appeal to fans.
Overall, the increasing attention and interest in women’s basketball are undeniable, with record-breaking viewership and attendance at NCAA tournament games. The success of star players like Caitlin Clark and the overall quality of the game have contributed to this surge in popularity. As the NCAA tournament resumes, there is a growing sense within the women’s basketball community that it may be time to reimagine the process of selecting host cities to best capitalize on the sport’s momentum. Analysts like Debbie Antonelli believe that now is the perfect time to explore new possibilities and elevate the presentation of women’s basketball to a broader audience. Discussions about potential format changes for tournament rounds indicate a willingness to adapt and evolve to further enhance the fan experience and showcase the sport at its highest level.
