The recent Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament final has set a historic precedent in terms of viewership numbers. Iowa’s thrilling victory over Nebraska attracted an average of 3.02 million viewers on CBS, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game on CBS since the iconic UConn-Tennessee matchup in 1999. The game reached its peak viewership during overtime, with an impressive 4.45 million viewers tuning in.
This game now holds the title of the second-most-watched women’s college basketball game of the season, falling just behind last week’s Iowa-Ohio State game on Fox, which drew 3.39 million viewers. Additionally, it ranks as the third most-watched regular-season women’s college basketball game since 1999, solidifying its place in history.
In a weekend filled with high-profile women’s basketball games, the ESPN broadcast of the South Carolina vs. LSU matchup attracted 1.96 million viewers, while USC’s win over Stanford drew 1.44 million viewers. This surge in viewership for women’s college basketball games on ESPN is unprecedented, with this being the largest regular-season audience on the ESPN networks since 2010.
While the Duke-Carolina men’s games have traditionally set the standard for regular-season college basketball viewership, the Iowa-Nebraska women’s game came incredibly close to matching their numbers. The Iowa-Nebraska game was reported to be the most-watched basketball game on any network on Sunday, drawing an audience of 3.02 million viewers.
According to Sports Media Watch, the Iowa-Nebraska women’s game ranks as the fifth most-watched college basketball game of the season, regardless of gender. It falls behind the NFL-inflated Michigan State-Arizona game on Thanksgiving, which garnered 5.18 million viewers, as well as the Iowa women vs. Ohio State game and both Duke-North Carolina men’s games.
This monumental achievement in viewership numbers reflects the increasing popularity and interest in women’s college basketball. The impressive figures stand as a testament to the captivating and competitive nature of the sport, drawing in millions of viewers across different platforms and networks.
As the landscape of women’s college basketball continues to evolve, it is expected that the record-breaking viewership numbers will pave the way for more recognition and opportunities for women athletes in the sport. This significant milestone highlights the growing momentum and support for women’s basketball, setting the stage for an exciting future for the sport and its dedicated fan base.
In conclusion, the monumental viewership of the recent Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament final has rewritten the history books, establishing itself as a groundbreaking moment for the sport. With the record-breaking numbers and widespread attention, women’s college basketball has undoubtedly solidified its place in the spotlight, captivating audiences across the nation.