Caitlin Clark recently achieved another milestone in her career by leading Iowa to a 94-87 victory over LSU in the Albany 2 Region final. This game broke records as the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record, with an average of 12.3 million viewers on ESPN. Clark’s incredible performance, scoring 41 points, not only secured the win for the Hawkeyes but also avenged their loss to the Tigers in last year’s national championship game.
The viewership of the Iowa-LSU game surpassed the 11.84 million viewers who watched the 1983 NCAA championship game between Southern California and Louisiana Tech. LSU coach Kim Mulkey, who played for Louisiana Tech, faced off against USC great Cheryl Miller in that game, which ended with a 64-58 win for the Trojans. This women’s basketball game on ESPN garnered more viewers than any other since Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, with an average of 13.6 million viewers.
Throughout the women’s NCAA tournament, Caitlin Clark’s games on ESPN and ABC have consistently drawn high viewership, averaging 6.83 million viewers per game. Iowa’s upcoming matchup against UConn in the national semifinal promises to be another highly-watched event. The winner of that game will advance to face either South Carolina or North Carolina State in the final, which will be broadcast on ABC.
Former Division I guard Isis Young, now a broadcaster and analyst, emphasized the significance of the current moment for women’s basketball. She described it as a movement riding on the backs of the talented players like Caitlin Clark. The increased viewership and attention on women’s college basketball games indicate a shift towards greater recognition and appreciation for the sport.
Even professional athletes from other sports have taken notice of Caitlin Clark’s standout performances. New York Knicks forward Josh Hart and NBA guards Damian Lillard and Patrick Beverley have all praised her skills and impact on the game. Clark’s ability to capture the attention of athletes outside of women’s basketball highlights her growing influence and popularity in the sports world.
LSU star Angel Reese acknowledged the significance of the historic moment in women’s college basketball, regardless of the outcome of the game. She expressed gratitude for being a part of such a memorable event and recognized the impact it would have on the sport as a whole. Monday night’s game between Iowa and LSU will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the continued growth and success of women’s basketball.
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