In 2024, an unexpected trend is emerging in the world of basketball as women’s sports, particularly women’s basketball, are experiencing an exciting surge in viewership. While the NBA struggles with ratings and viewership, football continues to dominate the sports media landscape, women’s basketball is thriving, with Caitlin Clark leading the way.
The NCAA women’s basketball championship game between the University of Iowa and the University of South Carolina in 2024 made history, averaging an astonishing 18.7 million viewers across ESPN and ABC, a significant 89% increase from the previous year’s championship game. This number even surpassed the viewership of the NBA Finals. This game was notable not just for the high number of viewers but also for being the highest-rated women’s basketball game of all time. No men’s college or professional basketball game made it to the list of the top 100 most-watched U.S. broadcasts of 2024, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s basketball. The NFL, however, maintained dominance with 72 games appearing in the top 100.
NFL dominates the airwaves once again with 72 of the 100 most-watched US broadcasts in 2024.
Note #76 👇. The NCAA women’s basketball championship game is ahead of any men’s college/pro bball game, Olympics or World Series matchup. pic.twitter.com/rM9MPxQEjB
— Kurt Badenhausen (@kbadenhausen) January 3, 2025
This trend continues to build on Caitlin Clark’s influence. Her remarkable impact, both in college and professional basketball, has been a game-changer for the sport. In 2024, her games set new records for viewership. Clark’s presence in the 2024 NCAA Finals, where Iowa lost to South Carolina, helped propel the viewership numbers to new heights. Even though her team didn’t win, the game was hailed as a significant moment for women’s basketball. The legendary South Carolina coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged Caitlin Clark’s contribution to the sport, calling her one of the greatest of all time for her role in bringing attention to women’s basketball.
Clark’s success isn’t just limited to college basketball. In the WNBA, her games with the Indiana Fever continue to set records for viewership, with games involving her attracting more viewers than ever before. In 2024, 22 out of 31 WNBA games that reached 1 million viewers featured Caitlin Clark, reinforcing her influence and expanding the league’s visibility. Even in her rookie season, she’s already been credited with significantly increasing the sport’s exposure.
Beyond individual performance, Caitlin Clark’s effect on the broader basketball landscape is undeniable. As her fame grows, she’s reshaping the way people view women’s basketball, and it’s likely that her influence will continue to drive the sport’s popularity. The women’s basketball world, led by Clark, is poised for an exciting new era that challenges traditional expectations and disrupts the dominance of male-dominated sports viewership.