Move over, NFL—there’s a new ratings powerhouse in town! 🚨 ESPN announced Tuesday that Monday night’s NCAA women’s basketball showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU Tigers shattered records, drawing an average of 12.3 million viewers—the highest ever for a women’s college game and one of the most-watched non-football U.S. sports events in over a year.
The high-octane Elite Eight clash, which saw Iowa triumph 94-87, outperformed viewership for recent NBA, NHL, and MLB games, proving women’s sports are no longer niche—they’re must-see TV. 🌍💥 Caitlin Clark’s 41-point masterclass for Iowa and Angel Reese’s relentless hustle for LSU had fans glued, sparking trends worldwide and igniting debates hotter than a TikTok drama. 💬🔥
\"This isn’t just a win for Iowa or LSU—it’s a victory for women’s sports everywhere,\" said one analyst. With Gen Z driving record social media engagement, the game’s success signals a new era for collegiate athletics. 📈✨
Reference(s):
ESPN: Iowa-LSU women's basketball game sets U.S. TV ratings record
cgtn.com