Women’s basketball thrives despite the departure of top stars to WNBA
- Concerns existed about the future of attendance and interest in women's college basketball with the departure of key players.
- Despite these concerns, attendance has reached the second-highest levels ever, with strong TV ratings and increased coverage.
- The overall trend in women's basketball suggests growing confidence and popularity, promising a bright future for the sport.
In the United States, the state of women's college basketball has shown resilience despite concerns that attendance and interest would decline with the exits of prominent players such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to the WNBA. The current season has proven to be a strong one, with attendance figures reaching near-record levels, making it the second-highest in the history of women's hoops. Notably, athletes such as JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers have stepped up, bringing excitement and competitiveness to the sport. Television ratings have also surged, highlighting an increased viewership for women's college basketball. Several networks, including ESPN and Fox, have expanded their coverage, broadcasting more games and achieving solid ratings. ESPN reported a 3% increase in regular-season ratings compared to the previous year and a remarkable 41% increase from two seasons ago. Additionally, specific matchups, such as the game between USC and UConn, attracted millions of viewers, underscoring the growing popularity of women's basketball. Mike Mulvihill, Fox Sports President of Insights and Analytics, emphasized the upward trajectory observed over the past few years, noting that confidence in broadcasting women's basketball is on the rise. The network has successfully showcased some of the game’s biggest stars, although overall ratings have seen minor drops partly due to last season's integral role of Caitlin Clark. Nevertheless, the engagement of fans and the presence of exciting newcomers confirm a positive future for the sport. Moreover, the Big Ten has experienced its second-highest average attendance in the last 15 years, demonstrating a strong fanbase supporting teams. The current season may lack an undefeated team or a generational player but boasts remarkable parity, making the competition thrilling. Commentators, including Dan Margulis from ESPN, acknowledge that the growth in viewership and attendance signifies a broader appreciation for the sport, paving the way for even greater challenges and innovations ahead.