Iowa vs. South Carolina TV ratings for 2024 NCAA women's championship compared to other sports

Caitlin Clark led Iowa to a record-breaking viewership for the national championship game against South Carolina, ending her historic collegiate career.

Women's college basketball has been breaking viewership records week after week, and the most recent championship game between Caitlin Clark's Iowa and undefeated South Carolina was no exception. This game drew in a record audience of 18.7 million people on ESPN, making it the most-watched basketball game, men's or women's, college or pro, since 2019. The viewership peaked at 24 million, surpassing every sporting event other than football and the Olympics since 2019.

Iowa and South Carolina put on a show in the national championship game, with South Carolina ultimately coming out on top with a score of 87-75. This victory marked South Carolina's third national championship in program history, and it was a revenge game for the Gamecocks after falling to Iowa in last year's Final Four. Despite the loss, Caitlin Clark's performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 30 points in her final collegiate game before heading to the WNBA.

Clark has been a dominant force in women's college hoops since her junior season, breaking records and leading Iowa to two national championship appearances. Her elite scoring ability and captivating style of play have drawn in millions of viewers, setting new ratings records game after game. The viewership for the Iowa-South Carolina national championship nearly doubled that of last year's title match and was up significantly from previous championship games.

The growth of women's college basketball can be attributed not only to Clark but also to the entire class of talented women who have helped elevate the sport in recent years. South Carolina's continued success, winning its second title in three seasons, has also played a significant role in the sport's popularity. The Gamecocks' bench outscored Iowa's 37-0 in the championship game, showcasing the depth and talent of the team.

Overall, the Iowa-South Carolina national championship game was a historic event that captured the attention of millions of viewers. The game's high viewership numbers highlight the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women's college basketball, setting the stage for even more record-breaking performances in the future.

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