After South Carolina’s groundbreaking victory in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, head coach Dawn Staley shared a stunning perspective on the game’s recent surge in popularity.
Breaking Barriers: Wider Accessibility and Increased Demand
Staley believes that the low-key coverage of women’s basketball in the past was intentional. However, she emphasized that this suppression has been dismantled.
“For one reason or another, women’s basketball was being held back intentionally,” Staley told On3.com. “We are bursting at the seams with talent. Young talent, great coaching, great players. People want access to our game.”
Staley has witnessed a significant increase in her viewing of women’s basketball this season. “I’ve watched more women’s basketball games this year than any other year. I had access. I picked and chose what network, what streaming device,” she said.
A Shift in Audience Demand
The soaring viewership numbers for South Carolina’s championship victory demonstrate the growing audience for women’s basketball. With 18.7 million viewers, it is the most-watched sporting event since 2019 outside of American football and the Olympics, according to ESPN.
“Now, we’re in full demand and everybody else around the country wants to see women’s basketball. The decision-makers are making the right decision,” Staley stated confidently. “I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”
Recognition and Accolades
Staley credited the rise in popularity to the quality of the game and the storylines it has generated. She pointed to the fact that the Iowa-South Carolina final featured a record attendance of 19,425 fans.
“We have a game that’s fun to watch, we have personalities, we have star power, and people are starting to take notice,” Staley said. “I think we’re in a position now where we can’t be overlooked.”
A Brighter Future Ahead
The success of the 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament has injected fresh energy into the sport. Staley believes that the visibility and access to women’s basketball will continue to grow.
“We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re on the right track,” Staley emphasized. “We’ve got to keep creating opportunities for our young women to play basketball, and we’ve got to keep making sure that the game is fun to watch. I think the future is bright for women’s basketball.”
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
