As March Madness continues to captivate fans with the impressive talents in women's college basketball, Caitlin Clark, Iowa women's basketball sensation, has become a central figure in the conversation about the sport's growing popularity. The spotlight shined even brighter when Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James voiced his admiration for the women's game, particularly highlighting the star power driving its success.
James, speaking after a Lakers victory Wednesday, praised the iconic figures in women's college basketball, including Clark, for their role in elevating the sport to new heights. Unlike their male counterparts, who often jump to the professional ranks early, women players stay longer in college, allowing them to cement their legacies and connect with fans on a deeper level
“I just saw this morning, he talked about women's basketball in general and how good the game, and the stars in our game. He knows what he's talking about,” Clark said of James' comments on Thursday in Cleveland ahead of Iowa's Final Four matchup with UConn, via The Sporting News. “He pays attention, he supports the game. He doesn't just talk about it. He really shows up and supports.”
NBA stars rally behind women's game
The storylines around the 2024 women's March Madness games have not only been about the athletes on the court but also about the significant support coming from basketball legends. Shaquille O'Neal, an NBA legend in his own right, declared his preference for the women's tournament, citing its competitive edge and the standout performances from players like Clark.
“I think that’s the coolest thing – one of the greatest players of all time (James), really helping support and grow women’s basketball. That's exactly what we need,” Clark said.
O'Neal's and James' support highlight a growing trend of high-profile endorsements for women's basketball, showcasing a shift in audience interest and recognition of the sport's quality.
O'Neal, reflecting on his visit to LSU for Angel Reese's Senior Night, and witnessing the overwhelming support for the women's game over the men's, shared his joy in seeing female athletes receiving such enthusiastic backing.
“It was my first time ever seeing the girls' game way more packed than the boys' game, but it was actually a good feeling,” O'Neal said.
Stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese fuel surge in viewership
The landscape of women's college basketball witnessed a seismic shift in 2024, thanks in large part to the incredible talents and rivalry that have captured the nation's attention. Among these pivotal moments was the highly-anticipated Elite Eight showdown Monday between Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, and Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers, a game that not only lived up to its billing but also shattered viewership records, attracting an astonishing 12.3 million viewers on ESPN and setting a new benchmark as the most-watched NCAA women's basketball game ever.
The historic game didn't just surpass expectations; it outperformed several major sporting events, including the Purdue-Tennessee men's Elite Eight game, the 2024 Golden Globes, the final round of The Masters in the previous year, a majority of the 2023 NBA Finals games, and every World Series game from last year.
The surge viewership can be traced back to the narrative-rich 2023 national championship, where Reese and the Tigers clinched victory against a Clark-led Iowa, sprinkling an extra layer of anticipation for their next encounter. Reese's imitation of Clark's “You can't see me” celebration post-victory last year not only added fuel to their rivalry but also magnified the spotlight on women's college basketball, setting the stage for their next epic clash.
With fans already hyped about the upcoming Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers showdown, when Iowa takes on UConn women's basketball in the Final Four on Friday, it will be interesting to see how viewership continues to evolve throughout the tournament.
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