Women’s NCAA final breaks viewership records

History was made on Sunday as the women’s NCAA basketball final between South Carolina and Iowa shattered viewership records, outpacing the men’s championship game for the first time in 42 years. 

The women’s championship attracted a record-breaking 18.9 million viewers, with a peak of 24.1 million in the game’s thrilling final moments, while Monday’s showdown between Connecticut and Purdue in the men’s final drew 14.8 million viewers.

The meteoric rise of Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark undoubtedly contributed to this milestone, and the buzz around her has already boosted WNBA ticket sales.

Despite the surge in popularity, the financial gap remains stark. The women’s tournament earned $6.5 million in TV rights compared to the men’s $873 million.