Women's NCAA Semifinals on ESPN Shatter Viewing Records

By George Winslow
published

UConn versus Iowa was the most watched women’s basketball game ever

ESPN
(Image credit: ESPN)

BRISTOL, Conn.—The ongoing rise in popularity of women’s basketball was on full display during the Women’s Final Four National Championship games, which shattered viewing records. 

UConn versus Iowa delivered 14.2 million viewers and the NCAA Women’s Final Four scored an average audience of 10.8 million on ESPN. That make the Huskies-Hawkeyes the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. It was also the largest audience for a ESPN basketball broadcast and the most viewed college event ever on ESPN+.

UConn-Iowa game peaked at 17 million viewers while the NC State-South Carolina peaked with 9 million viewers, respectively. The two games averaged 3.1 million in the 18 to 49 demo, up more than 130% year-over-year. 

George Winslow
George Winslow

George Winslow is the senior content producer for TV Tech. He has written about the television, media and technology industries for nearly 30 years for such publications as Broadcasting & Cable, Multichannel News and TV Tech. Over the years, he has edited a number of magazines, including Multichannel News International and World Screen, and moderated panels at such major industry events as NAB and MIP TV. He has published two books and dozens of encyclopedia articles on such subjects as the media, New York City history and economics.