NCAA March Madness: Watch Women's Final Four in Cleveland

Women's basketball is thriving as March Madness heads to the Final Four, featuring standout players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.

Women's basketball is currently experiencing a surge in popularity as March Madness approaches the Final Four on Friday night. Last year, a national championship game between Angel Reese and LSU and Caitlin Clark and Iowa drew in 9.9 million viewers, showcasing the stellar play of these two star athletes. This game, aired on national network ABC for the first time since 1996, left a lasting impression on fans.

This season, Clark and Reese returned to the court, with Iowa emerging victorious in a thrilling rematch in the Elite Eight, with Clark scoring an impressive 41 points. The game garnered over 12 million viewers, setting a record for women's college basketball. Iowa will now face UConn in one semifinal, while North Carolina State will take on the undefeated No. 1 seed South Carolina in the other.

Clark, who holds the title of the all-time leading scorer in Division I history, has been a standout player throughout the season. Her exceptional scoring abilities and charismatic presence have captivated audiences wherever she plays. The upcoming Final Four in Cleveland promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with top teams vying for the championship title.

In the first semifinal, South Carolina will face off against N.C. State, a team that has climbed the ranks to become one of the top teams in the country. The Wolfpack, led by star guard Aziaha "Zaza" James, have proven themselves as formidable contenders. The second semifinal will see Iowa take on UConn, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between Clark and UConn's Paige Bueckers, two standout guards with exceptional skills.

Fans can catch all the action of the women's tournament on ESPN's networks and streaming services, with select games airing on ABC. South Carolina is the favorite to win the championship, followed by Iowa, UConn, and N.C. State according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The Final Four games will take place in Cleveland on Friday night, with the championship game scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

The star power in this year's March Madness tournament is undeniable, with talented players like Clark, Reese, and Watkins shining on the court. Many of these standout athletes are freshmen, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition. Despite some controversies and challenges faced by teams and officials during the tournament, the games have continued to draw in fans with their thrilling matchups and competitive spirit.