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.
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.
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. 
Chinese-Born Teen Skates Toward NHL History 
