As women’s collegiate basketball gains popularity, LeBron James recognized “icons” such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, among others.
The women’s collegiate basketball game has grown dramatically in the previous year, particularly this season, owing to the popularity of several of its best players. Caitlin Clark gets a lot of credit for that, but JuJu Watkins at USC, Angel Reese at LSU, and Paige Bueckers at UConn have also developed into fascinating athletes to root for and support.
On Monday, Clark and Reese faced off for a berth in the Final Four, resulting in one of the greatest games in women’s college basketball history.
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We’ve just witnessed history. Iowa/LSU reached 12.3 million viewers. In comparison, it outperforms all but one Men’s NCAA Tournament game, NBA Finals game, and World Series game in recent postseasons (ESPN PR). The rematch between IowaWBB and LSUwbkb on Monday night was the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record, according to @ESPNPR 🤯. 🏀 With 12.3 million viewers, this was the most-watched college basketball game ever on ESPN platforms.
For the first time, perhaps ever, the popularity of women’s collegiate basketball appears to have overtaken that of men’s basketball. LeBron James, who is always open and quick to offer his thoughts, was questioned about this following the Lakers’ victory over the Wizards on Wednesday and shared his thoughts on the reasons behind it.
“I think the popularity comes in is the icons they have in the women’s game,” he remarked. “You look at Angel Reese, JuJu (Watkins), Caitlin Clark, Paige (Bueckers), the little lady at Iowa State, the freshman there (Audi Crooks), Brink at Stanford, and that’s just to mention a few of the freshmen at Notre Dame. They cannot participate in the WNBA.You can create a very legendary legacy at a program, which is what we all love about it.
“That’s what makes the Final Four and Elite Eight so exciting. Although Iowa had a strong squad, it was Caitlin Clark who kept us interested.Players, depending on who they are, will get the most attention from spectators.” LeBron is totally correct about this. Obviously, Clark is one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball history and has been breaking records this season, but she has also been a recognizable figure for several seasons.
LeBron is totally correct. Obviously, Clark is one of the best players in women’s college basketball history and has been chasing record after record this season, but she has also been a recognizable figure for several years.
The transfer portal and the NIL have been net advantages for player empowerment in college basketball, dating back to LeBron, but they have caused interest to wane. Fans are no longer as emotionally invested in shows as they once were. That degree of mobility has not yet reached the women’s game, at least among the elite players.
LeBron also brought up an essential point: elite players cannot declare for the NBA. After a successful year at Indiana University, Jalen Hood-Schifino declares for the draft and becomes a Laker. When JuJu Watkins achieves that, she will return for her second season.
It generates narratives, interest, and excitement. These problems are cyclical, and the men’s game will ultimately recover. But it’s been a pleasure to watch women’s college basketball this season and throughout March Madness, and all credit goes to those legends.
