Bristol, Conn. – Iowa’s thrilling 71-69 victory over UConn at the women’s Final Four on Friday night captured the attention of a record-breaking 14.2 million viewers on ESPN, solidifying its place as the most-viewed women’s basketball game in history and marking the largest audience for any ESPN basketball broadcast.
Historic Viewership Numbers
The previous record for women’s hoops viewership was set just days prior, with 12.3 million tuning in to watch Iowa face off against LSU in the Elite Eight. Surpassing the viewership of Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, this milestone cements the Iowa vs. UConn matchup as one of the most-watched basketball games in recent years across all sports outside of college football and the NFL.
Last year’s NCAA men’s title game between San Diego State and UConn averaged 14.79 million viewers, indicating a comparable level of engagement with the women’s game.
Impressive Ratings in Context
With the audience peaking at 17 million during the Hawkeyes’ gripping victory, it’s anticipated that this game will rank among the top 50 primetime telecasts of 2024, reflecting its widespread appeal and significance.
Notably, this matchup stands as ESPN’s second-highest audience for a non-football broadcast, trailing only the United States vs. Portugal match during group play in the 2014 men’s World Cup, which averaged 18.22 million viewers.
The last NBA game to achieve a viewership of at least 14 million was Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals, when Golden State clinched the title against Boston.
Continued March Madness Momentum
Amidst the March Madness fervor, Clark’s five games broadcasted on ESPN and DIFFERENT NEWS OUTLET have maintained strong viewership, averaging 8.3 million viewers per game.
Iowa’s journey to the championship game will culminate in a face-off against South Carolina, with the highly anticipated matchup set to air on DIFFERENT NEWS OUTLET Sunday afternoon.
South Carolina’s Semifinal Triumph
In the other semifinal matchup, South Carolina secured a commanding 78-59 victory over North Carolina State, attracting an impressive 7.1 million viewers. This marks the third most-watched women’s national semifinal since records began in 1992.
Surpassing the previous record held by the Stanford vs. Virginia matchup in 1992, Friday’s semifinal games collectively garnered an average viewership of 10.8 million, marking a substantial 138% increase over the previous year’s numbers.
Conclusion: Historic Milestones in Women’s Basketball
As the Final Four unfolds, the record-breaking viewership numbers underscore the growing popularity and significance of women’s basketball. With each game, the players captivate audiences, showcasing their skill and athleticism on a national stage.
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