The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four experienced a substantial drop in television ratings this year. According to Nielsen data, viewership decreased by 64% compared to the 2024 Final Four, which drew a record 10.8 million viewers. Analysts attribute the decline, in part, to the absence of Caitlin Clark, whose presence significantly boosted ratings in previous rounds. Clark's team did not advance to the Final Four this year.
The significant drop highlights the impact individual star players can have on television viewership for college sports. While the Final Four still drew a respectable audience, the numbers underscore the importance of marquee matchups and popular personalities in attracting viewers. Future tournament organizers will likely consider the 'Caitlin Clark effect' when anticipating viewership numbers and scheduling games.
Women's Final Four TV Ratings Plunge After Caitlin Clark's Exit
Television viewership for the NCAA Women's Final Four experienced a significant decline this year. Without Caitlin Clark, a major draw for viewers, ratings dropped considerably compared to the previous year's record numbers. The absence of Clark and her team impacted overall interest in the championship games. This illustrates the star power effect on sports viewership.