Here's why 18.7 million people watched a women's basketball game - The Caitlin Clark effect

If you build it, they will come. South Carolina vs Iowa Championship game ratings

Raven Johnson squared off against Caitlin Clark in a highly anticipated rematch between South Carolina and Iowa, and it did not disappoint. Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious, capping off an undefeated season in the championship game.

But this wasn't just a win for South Carolina—it was a triumph for women's basketball. For the third time in just seven days, women's basketball shattered records, drawing in its largest audience ever. An average of 18.7 million viewers tuned in, peaking at an astonishing 24 million, marking an 89% increase in viewership compared to last year.

To put this into perspective, Sunday's game became the most-watched basketball game, regardless of gender, college or pro, since the 2019 men's NCAA championship game between Virginia and Texas Tech. This historic moment also ranks as the second most-watched non-Olympic women's sporting event in American history, only behind the 2015 World Cup final between the US and Japan.

Even when compared to the NBA, the last game to reach at least 18 million views was Game 6 of the 2019 Finals. This unprecedented surge in viewership is a testament to the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women's basketball.

The narrative surrounding this game, fueled by star players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, has captivated audiences. Rivalries have developed, creating anticipation and leading to record-breaking viewership.

As players like Caitlin Clark transition to the WNBA, there's hope for a further resurgence in viewership. With Deloitte predicting that revenue from women's elite sports could surpass $1 billion this year, it's clear that the momentum is building.

So, the next time someone doubts the appeal of women's basketball, just show them this video. With 18.7 million viewers tuning in to witness the incredible athleticism and skill on display, it's clear that women's basketball is not only exciting but also gaining the recognition it deserves.

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Quita Loves Sports is a women's basketball commentary channel primarily focused on women's college basketball commentary and WNBA commentary. The goal is to share insights and information about the game that we love.

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