The women’s NCAA Tournament in 2022 was marred by disparities between the men’s and women’s weight rooms, prompting a conversation about equity that has continued to this day. This season, another issue arose with mismatched 3-point lines in Portland, Oregon, adding to a series of miscues detracting from what should have been a significant moment for women’s basketball. However, despite the off-court issues, the tournament has seen record-setting crowds, historic TV ratings, and exciting games, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the athletes involved.
The past two seasons have seen a significant growth in the women’s tournament, with the field expanding to 68 teams, giving female athletes access to the March Madness and Final Four branding previously exclusive to the men. This expansion has also led to an increased likelihood of mistakes occurring, as noted by UConn coach Geno Auriemma. Auriemma acknowledged that with the growing attention on the sport, even small missteps can be magnified, but he emphasized that these issues do not diminish the performances of the players on the court.
The tournament’s missteps began with Utah’s experience in Idaho, where the team was subjected to racist slurs and logistical challenges before eventually being moved closer to Spokane. Questions were raised about the scheduling of games in cities with limited hotel accommodations and the tournament format itself, prompting NCAA officials to consider reviewing the selection process. Other embarrassing incidents, such as a referee being pulled at halftime due to a conflict of interest and a player being forced to remove a nose piercing mid-game, further highlighted the need for better oversight and communication.
One of the biggest lapses in this year’s tournament was the presence of two different 3-point lines on the court in Portland, with one side’s arc falling short of regulation at its apex. Despite these errors, the NCAA acted quickly to address the issues once they were discovered, but the oversight was seen as unacceptable and upsetting by coaches like Tara VanDerveer. The NCAA spokeswoman stated that the organization had taken immediate action to rectify these isolated incidents and ensure they did not take away from the accomplishments of the female athletes competing.
As the women’s game continues to grow and gain more attention, it is likely that the NCAA will face similar issues in future tournaments. The record-breaking viewership of games featuring standout players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers indicates a growing interest in women’s college basketball, but concerns remain about the super regional format and logistical challenges faced by teams and fans. Despite these challenges, the women’s tournament continues to showcase the incredible talent and competitiveness of the athletes involved, highlighting the need for continued support and investment in women’s basketball.
