Attendance and interest in women’s college basketball have continued to thrive this season, despite the departure of prominent players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to the WNBA. While there was initial concern that these exits could lead to a decline in viewership and attendance, figures indicate that the sport has only experienced a slight downturn.
Attendance across the country has remained robust, nearing last year's record numbers and marking the second-highest figures in history. The presence of rising stars such as JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers has contributed to this sustained interest. Notably, ESPN has significantly expanded its coverage, while Fox has also increased its involvement with additional primetime broadcasts, indicating a growing investment in women’s basketball.
Fox Sports President Mike Mulvihill highlighted the network's commitment to the sport, noting an upward trend in ratings and exposure. A key matchup between USC and UConn showcased this growth, attracting 2.2 million viewers, the second-highest for a women's game on the network. Both ESPN and CBS have reported strong ratings, with ESPN seeing a 3% increase from last year and overall viewership numbers remaining favorable.
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is anticipated to be another significant event, with ESPN expressing confidence in the viewership it will attract. Unlike last season, which featured a standout player in Clark, this year is marked by greater parity among teams, which may enhance competitive excitement.
Overall, the landscape of women’s college basketball appears stable, with healthy attendance figures and increasing media coverage, suggesting a bright future for the sport as it heads into March Madness.