In a surprising turn of events, women’s college basketball has taken the lead in television viewership, with Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark emerging as a pivotal figure in this groundbreaking shift.
Clark’s stellar performance in her final regular-season game against Ohio State not only made history but also captured the attention of millions of viewers, surpassing many other sports in TV ratings.
Over the past weekend, Clark’s standout performance propelled the Iowa vs. Ohio State matchup into a historic television event, outshining even men’s basketball in TV ratings.
Recent figures reveal that women’s college basketball, particularly on FOX, is experiencing a surge in popularity, boasting an average viewership of 981,000 compared to men’s college basketball’s 946,000.
Caitlin Clark’s Historic Game
This season has seen a remarkable +48% increase in viewership on FOX and an even more impressive +60% across all national networks, according to Michael Mulvihill of FOX.
Clark’s journey has captivated audiences as she led Iowa to a triumphant 93-83 victory over Ohio State.
Needing just 18 points to break Pete Maravich’s Division I record, Clark delivered an extraordinary 35 points, along with nine assists and six rebounds, solidifying her legacy with 3,685 career points.
This game not only marked a milestone in Clark’s career but also became the most-watched women’s regular-season game in 25 years, drawing an average of 3.39 million viewers and peaking at 4.42 million.
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A Television Triumph in College Basketball
In terms of viewership across all college basketball games this season, the Iowa vs. Ohio State matchup stands as the second most-watched, trailing only the Michigan State-Arizona.
Thanksgiving game that benefited from a direct NFL lead-in (5.18M), even surpassing the initial Duke-North Carolina matchup (3.20M).
This remarkable feat places it sixth for the season, even when compared to NBA games, as reported by Sports Media Watch.
With the Big Ten tournament looming on the horizon, the spotlight on women’s basketball and Caitlin Clark continues to intensify.
As the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes gear up for another face-off, fans and networks alike are acknowledging the growing allure of women’s collegiate athletics, underscored by thrilling performances and historic milestones that resonate far beyond the hardwood.
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