In the exhilarating world of sports, moments of sheer brilliance captivate audiences worldwide. Recently, a showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the LSU Tigers during the March Madness Elite Eight left fans spellbound. But it wasn’t just the thrilling game that caught everyone’s attention—it was the staggering viewership numbers.
As highlighted by a tweet from @TVSportsUpdates:
“Another number to put this in perspective: the cable-only ‘Monday Night Football’ games in the 2022 season averaged 11.8M viewers.”
Another number to put this in perspective: the cable-only 'Monday Night Football' games in the 2022 season averaged 11.8M viewers. https://t.co/I5H1AOkcLG
— Sports TV News & Updates (@TVSportsUpdates) April 2, 2024
The Iowa-LSU game surpassed that figure by a million viewers, demonstrating the growing interest in women’s college basketball.
Iowa vs. LSU Draws Record Viewership
Monday’s Iowa-LSU Elite Eight matchup shattered expectations, drawing an astounding 12.3 million viewers. Yes, you read that right—12.3 million! This wasn’t just any women’s college basketball game; it was a record-breaker. It surpassed last year’s championship game viewership of 9.9 million, featuring the same two powerhouse teams. But the story doesn’t end there.
ESPN, the sports broadcasting giant, witnessed its most-viewed college game ever—men’s or women’s. The network’s screens lit up as fans tuned in from living rooms, sports bars, and even office break rooms. The drama unfolded, and viewership peaked at a mind-boggling 16 million. That’s more eyes than all but one of the men’s March Madness tournament games, all but one NBA Finals game, and every World Series matchup.
But why did millions flock to their screens? Sure, the game was a thriller, with Caitlin Clark dropping 41 points and draining nine three-pointers. But it was the backstory that added spice. LSU’s Angel Reese had famously taunted Clark during last year’s championship game, signalling her impending victory with a “You Can’t See Me” celebration. The drama, the rivalry, and the redemption arc drew viewers like moths to a flame.
As the game unfolded, Iowa surged ahead. An 11-point lead at the end of the third quarter set the stage. LSU fought valiantly, but Caitlin Clark’s brilliance was unstoppable. She not only launched deep threes but also dished out 12 assists, breaking the NCAA Tournament career record. The internet buzzed with memes as Clark’s shots swished through the net, leaving defenders shrugging in disbelief.
ALSO READ: Injured Couple Lawyers Up After Rashee Rice Admits Involvement in the Crash
