The U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s division game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers has shattered television ratings records, ESPN announced on Tuesday.
In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, the Iowa Hawkeyes secured a 94-87 victory over the LSU Tigers in the Elite Eight. The game captivated audiences nationwide, averaging 12.3 million viewers on ESPN. This remarkable viewership places it among the most-watched sporting events in the United States over the past year, outside of NFL football.
The unprecedented attention highlights a significant milestone for women’s basketball, showcasing the growing interest and support for women’s sports on a national scale. The high-scoring game not only emphasized the athletes’ exceptional skills and competitive spirit but also underscored the shifting dynamics in sports viewership trends.
This surge in popularity aligns with a global movement recognizing and celebrating women’s sports. As interest continues to rise, opportunities for female athletes worldwide, including those in Asia, are expected to expand, fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the sports arena.
The record-breaking viewership sets a new benchmark for future NCAA women’s basketball games and inspires a new generation of athletes and fans alike. It serves as a testament to the game’s excitement and the audience’s appetite for high-quality women’s sports competitions.
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ESPN: Iowa-LSU women's basketball game sets U.S. TV ratings record
cgtn.com
