Caitlin Clark's gone, but women's college basketball continues to thrive

Mar. 22—Kelly LaFountain remembers how her conversations about women's basketball used to go with other people, not too long ago.

"I would say 'Hey, have you seen this women's game,' to maybe some guys or other people that I know," said LaFountain, the Mt. Ararat coach from 2000-13 and a UMaine player from 1984-89. "And they're like 'No, I don't watch women's basketball. They don't dunk.'"

She doesn't ask as much anymore. She doesn't have to.

"They ask me," she said. "'Did you watch the game?' 'Of course I did.' I think that people who love the game of basketball and watch the game of basketball religiously have really started to recognize that the women's game is exciting as well, just in a lot of different ways."

Women's basketball benefited from a surge of interest last year, as Iowa senior superstar Caitlin Clark's mix of prolific 3-point shooting and dazzling ball handling and passing made her a nationwide celebrity and drew hordes of viewers to television screens.

According to ESPN, the average of 18.9 million viewers for the national championship game between Iowa and South Carolina was the largest audience ever for a women's basketball game, and the largest overall for a basketball game — men's or women's, college or pro — in five years. BetMGM, according to Dave Forman of the American Gaming Association, said it was the most bet-on women's event, in any sport, of all time.

Clark has since left Iowa, but as the next women's tournament gets underway, the momentum hasn't stopped. According to Dan Margulis, the senior director of programming for ESPN, viewership of women's college basketball games is up 3% this year over last year, and up 41% from the 2022-23 season.

"We went in not fully knowing how we were going to do," Margulis said. "The interest in women's basketball has grown. We had 15 games over 500,000 (viewers), just a phenomenal year. ... With adults (ages) 18 to 34, we were up 27%. That's a really good sign."

It's music to the ears of women's basketball fans — people like LaFountain, who said she watches the sport "any chance I get."

"It's just amazing to me because back in the day, we didn't see all this," she said. "To see the growth is just incredible. ... They put out a really good product, and there are a lot of good basketball teams out there and a lot of great players. They've just raised the level of play so much."

University of Maine women's basketball coach Amy Vachon said the state has a history of supporting the women's game, and that it's encouraging to see the country following suit.

"That's great to hear. It's one of those things where I think sometimes people tune in to see one player or one team, and then they realize it's a really good product that they're watching, and they enjoy watching," she said. "I think it's getting people hooked to begin with, and then they'll continue watching.

"I think fans in Maine have been ahead of the curve. ... It's nice to see the rest of the country get up to speed as well."

Margulis said he wasn't worried about a post-Clark letdown, but that he was unsure what numbers would look like.

"I think we were curious," he said. "It was sort of a celestial event with Caitlin last year at the tournament. But we also looked at the non-Iowa games in the tournament, and there was still a 76% growth year over year in the tournament from the year before."

The numbers suggested the sport would thrive without Clark. It has, and Bowdoin women's coach Megan Phelps said it's because the game and its still impressive list of star players — Paige Bueckers for UConn, JuJu Watkins for USC, Hannah Hidalgo for Notre Dame — has enough to offer to keep them.

"One of the things Clark did was bring eyes to a sport that has already been exciting and filled with a lot of talent, that maybe didn't have as much investment into the promoting and the marketing," she said. "The talent has always been there. However eyes get on the product, it's a really good product. ... It's a fun style of basketball to watch. There are players who are shotmakers and take a lot of big shots and have big moments, but there's also great team basketball."

The women's game also adds an opportunity to follow players for a long period of time compared to the men's game, where the best players often leave after one season for the riches of the NBA.

"That's an issue in the men's game, is it becomes more about the brands and the coaches," Margulis said. "If (Clark) had that great sophomore year and went pro, that great story she had wouldn't have evolved, or the rivalry with Angel Reese or any of that stuff. That's a big advantage for women's basketball right now."

Women's basketball has also seen improved parity. While schools like Tennessee, UConn and Baylor dominated in prior seasons, the sport now features more competitiveness and more uncertainty regarding who will win.

"There are certain elements you have to have to gain audiences," Margulis said. "You need a star, maybe. You need a brand. You need a competitive game, you need an environment. ... If you can get a competitive game, they'll stay."

It's played out this season. The player that brought them there is gone, but the fans have stayed on board.

"People are amazed at what (Clark) was able to do at the college level and now at the professional level, so they're all looking for the next player," LaFountain said. "Who's going to be the next player that does that same type of thing?"

Improved viewership is just part of what's been going right for women's basketball. This season, for the first time, women's teams are receiving money for appearing and winning in the NCAA tournament, a perk that men's teams have enjoyed for years.

"It's a long time coming," Vachon said. "It's nice to see it's finally here."

Phelps agreed.

"It's huge, because with more eyes, more viewership, comes money," she said. "If people are going to be treating women's basketball as a business, you want to make sure the teams that are creating that business are getting compensated for the work that they're doing."

Phelps added that she's confident the momentum will continue.

"I feel great about it. The product has been there," she said. "Women's sports is a business that people should be investing in. I think they're starting to see that."

Copy the Story Link

Topics

Betting on women's college basketball rides post-Caitlin Clark wave as NCAA Tournament begins

Caitlin Clark drew lots of eyeballs to women’s basketball when she led Iowa to consecutive national-championship games
ABC News - 6d
Women's basketball boomed with Caitlin Clark. And it isn't slowing down now | Opinion

ESPN's ratings are up 3% over last year, the first season of the post-Caitlin Clark Era for NCAA women's basketball. "Women's sports are a thing now."
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Can March Madness Still Soar Without Caitlin Clark?

Women’s basketball is as hot as ever and includes stars in every corner of America. But it will be “nearly impossible” to replicate Clark’s effect.
The New York Times - 5d
Strong TV ratings and attendance, women's basketball in good place heading to NCAA Tournament

There was concern that attendance and overall interest in women’s college basketball would drop this year with the departure of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and other stars for the WNBA
ABC News - 6d
Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo joins lists with Fever's Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell

She's still a year away from being able to join the WNBA, but Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo is among some of women's college basketball's best.
Yahoo Sports - 10h
The Rise of Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark helped push the sport to new highs. She didn’t do it alone.
The New York Times - Mar. 16
How women's college basketball plans to continue its upward March

The 2025 women's NCAA Tournament features a number of superstars and a plethora of elite teams. The sport has never been in a healthier place.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark again dominate WNBA national TV schedule

The Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, will have 41 of their 44 games on national television. The Aces and Liberty also have plenty of appearances.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
How to watch the women’s March Madness first-round games on Saturday: Schedule, odds and storylines

Round 1, Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament jumpstarts with Iowa, one of the most beloved brands in the women’s basketball world. The Hawkeyes dance without Caitlin Clark for the first time on Saturday ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Odessa College falls to Grayson College

Mar. 13—WACO — The Odessa College women's basketball team was eliminated from the Region V tournament with a 63-57 loss to Grayson College Thursday at McLennan Community College. The Lady Wranglers ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Women's March Madness by the numbers: Watkins ahead of Clark's 2-year point total. Now it gets tough

When Caitlin Clark set the NCAA's career scoring record last season, JuJu Watkins was widely considered the player most likely to challenge it. The two-time Associated Press All-American has ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
16 Quotes From Basketball Legends to Inspire Your Leadership Success

From Caitlin Clark to Michael Jordan, these stars know what it takes to win.
Inc. - 3d
What March Madness games are on today? Women’s college basketball tournament Second Round schedule

The madness continues as the women's tournament enters the second round. Here's all of the games to watch.
Yahoo Sports - 16h
4 Des Moines schools are getting new outdoor athletic courts — thanks to Caitlin Clark

Several new multipurpose recreation courts are coming to Des Moines Public Schools due to a contribution from Caitlin Clark and her foundation.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Dallas Wings will play game against Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever at home of NBA's Mavericks

The Dallas Wings, who have the No. 1 overall pick in next month's WNBA draft, will play their June 27 game against 2024 top pick Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the home of the NBA's Dallas ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
CBS to show 2 primetime matchups between Caitlin Clark and Indiana vs Angel Reese and Chicago

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will have two of their games broadcast in primetime nationally for the first time in league history. The June 7 and Aug. 9 games between the Indiana Fever and Chicago ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Caitlin Clark, Fever highlight ABC's growing WNBA broadcast schedule

Twenty of the 23 games that eclipsed 1 million views last season involved Clark and the Fever.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Nebraska to play Arizona State in College Basketball Crown Tournament

Nebraska basketball's season continues as it was one of 16 teams chosen to compete in the College Basketball Crown.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Women’s NCAA March Madness 2025: Where to Buy College Basketball Tickets Online

The women's college basketball tournament tips off on March 19 — Here's where to get the best deals on tickets.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Parkview basketball's Christian Cordova's life was spiraling. Now, he's thriving.

Christian Cordova had two choices: Do what's right or continue to see his life spiral. He will start for the Vikings in Wednesday night's semifinal.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
LSU women's basketball star Aneesah Morrow named Player of the Year semifinalist

LSU women's basketball star Aneesah Morrow was named a semifinalist for women's college basketball's highest award
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Blues Breakout Star Is Continuing To Thrive

During this past off-season, the St. Louis Blues successfully signed then-restricted free agent forward Dylan Holloway through an offer sheet. The Edmonton Oilers elected not to match the Blues' ...
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Allegheny women's basketball set for ECAC championship Saturday

The Allegheny College women’s basketball team is one game away from a championship. The Gators punched their ticket to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Championship ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Google Doodle celebrates women's NCAA tournament

Google is celebrating the beginning of women's college basketball championships with a Doodle.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Watkins becomes first women’s college athlete to sign with Fanatics sports merchandise platform

The Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles sports merchandise platforms announced a multi-year deal Friday with Southern California women's basketball star JuJu Watkins. Fanatics said Watkins is the ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
What to know about March Madness if you don’t follow college basketball

The college basketball season is winding down, which means March Madness is upon us. The annual men's and women's National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments are among the most closely ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
FSU basketball's Ta'Niya Latson close to Naismith Women's College Player of the Year Award

Florida State women's basketball star Ta'Niya Latson is one of the top candidates for three national award honors.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
The ‘Crisis Moment’ Facing Women’s College Basketball Officiating

Officials getting ripped by coaches and fans is nothing new. But with more eyes than ever on the sport, the issue is reaching a tipping point.
The New York Times - 2d
Gonzaga women accept invitation to WBIT, will host UTSA

Mar. 16—If there's a consolation prize in college basketball, then the Gonzaga women received it Sunday. The Bulldogs were selected to the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) which ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17
How NWSL, its players plan to thrive without college drafts

The NWSL has broken out of the American mold and gotten rid of all drafts -- no college draft, no expansion draft, nothing. How will that work?
ESPN - Mar. 9
The key for Bowdoin women's basketball? It's all about the defense

Mar. 13—BRUNSWICK — Megan Phelps was feeling uneasy. The Bowdoin College women's basketball team was coming off of a 28-3 season, one that resulted in a trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13
Warrior women's hoops team advances in NAIA Tournament

Mar. 15—Minutes after beating 11th-seeded Columbia (Mo.) in the first round of the women's basketball NAIA Tournament, the live stream captured the sixth-seeded Lewis-Clark State Warriors gathered ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
Ant Robinson is relishing his first NCAA Tournament

Anthony Robinson’s first year of college basketball didn’t go quite to plan. His second has gone much better.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
NHL Star Power Index: Auston Matthews thrives offensively for Toronto, Jesper Bratt continues to pace Devils

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar also continues to produce at a spectacular level
CBS Sports - 2d
South Carolina vs. Texas odds, free women's college basketball picks: Longhorns cover in 2025 SEC Tournament

SportsLine's Calvin Wetzel and Aaron Barzilai revealed their picks for Texas Longhorns vs. South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025 SEC Women's Tournament final on Sunday
CBS Sports - Mar. 9
USC vs. UCLA odds, women's college basketball picks: Bruins cover in 2025 Big Ten Tournament championship

SportsLine's Calvin Wetzel and Aaron Barzilai revealed their picks for UCLA Bruins vs. USC Trojans in the 2025 Big Ten Women's Tournament final on CBS and Paramount+
CBS Sports - Mar. 9
Women’s college basketball power rankings: Who are NCAA Tournament title contenders?

For most of the season, the goal of these power rankings has been to combine an evaluation of a team’s performance in the moment with its resume to date. I’m often reluctant to be too reactive to ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 10
College of the Sequoias women's basketball seeks to complete unbeaten season

The Giants open their final push for the state championship when they face Palomar (24-6) in a state quarterfinal at 5 p.m. March 14
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
2025 WNBA schedule: CBS to broadcast 20 games, including seven featuring Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever

CBS' coverage will begin with the defending champion New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever on May 24
CBS Sports - 3d