- Attendance nears last year’s record despite star departures to WNBA
- Fox’s USC-UConn matchup peaks at 3.8M viewers after NFL lead-in
- ESPN’s regular-season ratings rise 3%, SEC sets attendance milestones
- Student sections fuel energetic environments nationwide
As the NCAA Tournament tips off, women’s college basketball continues its upward trajectory with robust TV viewership and packed arenas. Despite concerns over losing marquee players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the 2023-24 season maintained 92% of last year’s record attendance, marking the second-highest figures in history. Networks capitalized on this momentum, with Fox airing 18 games—including five Saturday primetime slots—while ESPN reported a 3% year-over-year increase in regular-season ratings.
Strategic scheduling amplified reach. Fox’s December showdown between JuJu Watkins’ USC and Paige Bueckers’ UConn, aired after an NFL game, drew 2.2 million average viewers and a 3.8 million peak—the network’s second-most-watched women’s game ever. CBS also scored with 1.44 million viewers for the UCLA-USC Big Ten title game. ESPN dominated with 15 games surpassing 500,000 viewers, including a February doubleheader (UConn-South Carolina and LSU-Texas) that averaged 1.75 million.
The SEC emerged as a regional powerhouse, shattering its conference tournament attendance record. Over 10,000 fans packed the semifinals and finals, underscoring the South’s fervent support. Meanwhile, the Big Ten celebrated its second-highest average home attendance in 15 years, proving fandom extends beyond traditional hotspots.
Three industry insights define this growth: First, aligning women’s games with major events like NFL broadcasts maximizes exposure. Second, new tournaments like the Coretta Scott King Invitational diversify storytelling and audience engagement. Third, student sections—like the 2,500-strong crowd at South Carolina-LSU—have become a cultural catalyst, transforming games into must-see events.
With no undefeated teams this season, parity has kept fans invested. As ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo notes, “The floor has risen dramatically.” Whether the championship outdraws last year’s historic numbers or not, the sport’s foundation—bolstered by strategic media deals and grassroots energy—positions it for long-term success.
