Iowa’s 71-69 victory over UConn at the women’s Final Four on Friday night broke records as the most-viewed women’s basketball game on record with an average of 14.2 million viewers on ESPN. The previous record was 12.3 million for last Monday’s Iowa-LSU game in the Elite Eight. The game also saw the audience peak at 17 million viewers, making it one of the most-viewed games in any sport other than college football and the NFL over the past couple of years. Additionally, it would have ranked 32nd on the list of top 50 primetime telecasts in 2024 and it is ESPN’s second-highest audience for a non-football broadcast.
The last NBA game to draw at least 14 million viewers was Golden State’s victory over Boston in Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals, with 14.22 million viewers. Clark’s five March Madness games on ESPN and ABC have averaged 8.3 million viewers. Iowa will now face South Carolina in the national championship game. South Carolina’s 78-59 victory over North Carolina State in the semifinals averaged 7.1 million viewers, making it the third most-watched women’s national semifinal since records began in 1992. Friday’s two games in total averaged 10.8 million viewers, which represented a 138% increase over the previous year.
The significance of Iowa’s victory over UConn is evident in the record-breaking viewership numbers, which further solidify the growing popularity of women’s basketball. The game’s high ratings demonstrate the increasing interest in women’s sports and the ability of female athletes to draw large audiences. The historic nature of the game and the excitement surrounding it have contributed to its success in capturing the attention of fans across the country.
The success of the women’s Final Four games highlights the importance of showcasing women’s sports on a national stage and providing opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest levels. The increased viewership of women’s basketball games reflects a shift in the public’s perception of women’s sports and a growing appreciation for the talent and skill of female athletes. By breaking records and attracting large audiences, these games are helping to elevate the profile of women’s sports and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
The matchup between Iowa and UConn was a highly anticipated game that lived up to expectations, delivering a thrilling and competitive contest that captivated viewers. The close score and intense competition created a sense of drama and excitement that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The historic nature of the game, combined with the star power of the teams involved, helped to generate widespread interest and draw in a record-breaking audience.
As Iowa prepares to face South Carolina in the national championship game, the stage is set for another exciting and highly anticipated matchup that is sure to draw a large audience. The success of the women’s Final Four games is a testament to the growing popularity and appeal of women’s basketball, and highlights the incredible talent and skill of the athletes competing at this level. With increased interest and viewership, women’s sports are continuing to gain recognition and support, paving the way for future growth and success in the world of athletics.
