Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark is really the biggest star in college sports. Even the numbers back it up.
During the Hawkeyes’ opening round showdown against the Holy Cross Crusaders, Clark once again broke records, this time allowing the NCAA Tournament reach massive TV viewership that has never been seen before in a First Round or any game before the Final Four.
Caitlin Clark Boost in Full Effect for Iowa Hawkeyes, NCAA Tournament
Before the NCAA Tournament started, a lot of eyes were already on Clark and the Hawkeyes. After all, with the sharpshooter heading to the WNBA Draft after the season, many fans want to see if she would be able to lead Iowa to the promised land.
Clark is already the most popular player not only in the women’s game, but also in college hoops. And the high expectations on her as the NCAA all-time leading scorer regardless of gender only add more to the interest and epic storyline.
Sure enough, when they started their March Madness journey this 2024, fans tuned in. As a result, it paved the way for the most-watched women’s basketball game prior to the Final Four. Apparently, an average of 3.23 million viewers watched the battle at ABC–which translated to a 1.8 rating, via Sports Media Watch.
For what it’s worth, it was also Clark and Iowa who set the previous high when their Elite Eight battle with Louisville last year generated an average of 2.5 million viewers. As Clark and Iowa extends their NCAA Tournament run, the viewership is expected to increase even more.
To put the number into better perspective, before Clark and Iowa’s 91-65 demolition of Holy Cross, the most-watched first-round showdown was UConn vs. Mercer in 2022, which generated an average of 767,000 viewers.
Indeed, the Clark effect is real.
What’s Next for Caitlin Clark, Iowa Hawkeyes?
For what it’s worth, the numbers for the Iowa Hawkeyes’ Round of 32 battle with the West Virginia Mountaineers have just been released, and as expected, it surpassed the numbers from the first round with a 4.9 million viewership, according to Chantel Jennings.
Now, as the Hawkeyes move into the Sweet 16, there will naturally be more interest and an uptick in viewers is already predicted. Iowa will face the Colorado Buffaloes, and should they beat them, they could be in line for a rematch with the LSU Tigers in the Elite Eight.
Of course the Tigers will have to make it as well, and it won’t be easy since they will face UCLA first. But should both Iowa and LSU win their respective matches, an Elite Eight showdown is almost guaranteed to set new TV records considering how big Clark and Angel Reese are.
Exciting times are ahead for sure.
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