More people are watching women's basketball than men's due to better investment in personalities and stories, longer player visibility, and increased exposure on platforms like ABC. The women's national championship game attracted 4 million more viewers than the men's equivalent, highlighting a shift in viewer preferences and engagement.

By the Numbers
  • The men's national championship game averaged 14.8 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous year's 14.69 million.
  • The women's title game had four million more viewers than the men's game.
Yes, But

The shift in viewership numbers does not necessarily reflect a decline in men's basketball popularity but rather a change in audience preferences and engagement with the women's game.

State of Play
  • Women's basketball is experiencing increased viewership and investment in personalities and stories.
  • The men's game still holds significant appeal but may need to adapt to shifting audience preferences.
What's Next

The continued success of women's basketball could lead to further growth and recognition, potentially influencing how both men's and women's games are marketed and consumed in the future.

Bottom Line

The increasing viewership of women's basketball compared to the men's game highlights the importance of investing in player stories and personalities, showcasing a shift in audience preferences that could shape the future of collegiate basketball viewership.