The current season has witnessed a notable increase in the popularity of women’s college basketball, exemplified by the NCAA championship game pitting Iowa against South Carolina, which has broken new ground in the betting market.
Prominent sportsbooks such as ESPN BET, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have reported that Sunday’s game garnered the highest betting activity for a women’s college basketball game to date. This surpasses the previous record set by the UConn-Iowa match-up in this year’s Final Four, underscoring the escalating interest in women’s basketball among sports enthusiasts.
ESPN BET revealed that Sunday’s game attracted 20% more bets than Friday’s match, with FanDuel also noting a 22% increase in betting activity. Similarly, Caesars disclosed that they processed “double” the number of bets compared to the previous record. This surge in betting activity was acknowledged by South Point Casino’s sportsbook director Chris Andrews, who likened the game’s handle to that of a well-bet college football game.
Furthermore, the 2024 title game witnessed a 155% surge in betting activity and a 205% increase in ticket count compared to the 2023 national championship, indicating a substantial shift in public engagement with women’s college basketball. This stands as a noteworthy achievement for the sport and a testament to its growing allure in the betting market.
The heightened popularity of women’s basketball can be attributed to two primary factors: amplified media coverage and the presence of star player Caitlin Clark. Industry experts have noted a significant increase in the number of games televised nationally this season, allowing fans to become more acquainted with the players and teams. Particularly, Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance throughout the season has captivated the attention of fans and bettors, contributing to the surge in betting activity.
Nevertheless, concerns linger regarding the sustainability of this momentum in the betting markets, particularly with the departure of star player Caitlin Clark to the WNBA. Bookmakers have already established the odds for the 2025 national title, with Iowa opening as 30-1 underdogs and South Carolina emerging as the favorites at +250, according to ESPN BET.
In conclusion, the 2024 NCAA tournament has been a watershed moment for women’s sports betting, ushering in increased interest and engagement in women’s college basketball. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the departure of key players, the record-breaking betting activity witnessed in this year’s championship game underscores the growing significance of women’s basketball, pointing towards a promising future for the sport in the betting market.