Iowa City, Iowa – College basketball viewership reached unprecedented heights as Caitlin Clark led the No. 1 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes to a thrilling 64-54 victory over the eighth-seeded West Virginia Mountaineers. The game, which marked the final home appearance for Clark at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, captured the attention of a staggering 4.9 million viewers on ESPN. This viewership milestone shattered previous records for women’s basketball tournament audiences before the Final Four, showcasing the growing popularity and appeal of the sport.

The exceptional viewership numbers continued to defy expectations as the excitement surrounding Iowa’s games drew in massive audiences. Notably, Iowa’s recent victory over West Virginia ranks as the third-largest audience for any women’s tournament game in the last two decades. This remarkable achievement positions Iowa’s women’s basketball team alongside the most-watched games in the sport’s recent history, reflecting a significant increase in interest and engagement.

ESPN’s coverage of the women’s tournament has witnessed multiple games surpassing the 2-million viewership mark in the early rounds, highlighting a new era of visibility and recognition for women’s college basketball. Noteworthy matchups, including Connecticut’s triumph over Syracuse and LSU’s victory against Middle Tennessee, have continued to attract sizable audiences, underscoring the growing enthusiasm and support for women’s sports on a national scale.

Looking ahead, Iowa’s upcoming clash with Colorado on ABC promises to be another highly anticipated showdown that will capture the attention of basketball fans nationwide. Additionally, the potential national championship rematch between LSU and Iowa on April 1 presents an exciting prospect for viewers, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. With each game drawing greater viewership and interest, women’s college basketball continues to captivate audiences and solidify its status as a premier sporting event.