Women’s Sports: The Rise of Media Coverage
Cover Art by Abigail Seguin
Women’s sports viewership has been experiencing a significant boom in the past year. This surge not only signifies strides toward gender equality in sports but also highlights the undeniable talent and dedication of female athletes in both collegiate and professional spheres. The boom in viewership has been caused by a few key factors, which ultimately have led to more amplification of women’s sports.
According to Forbes, interest in women’s sports is growing at a meteoric pace.” The 2023 women’s basketball NCAA tournament drew nearly 10 million viewers for the final game between Iowa and LSU, up 103% from the previous year. The WNBA draft audience increased by 42% between 2022 and 2023 and was up by 89% with female viewers. Interest in the Women’s Super League increased 81% from 2022 to 2023, and this year, 41% of the global population are excited for the Women’s World Cup, rising from 34% before the 2019 Women’s World Cup.”
Jane McManus, the Director of the Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall University, discusses why the recent surge in viewership and attendance has grown significantly this past year. One key reason is the increased media coverage and accessibility of women’s sports. Many more major broadcasters and streaming platforms are discovering the untapped potential of women’s sports and are currently investing resources into streaming women’s games. The increased accessibility allows fans to follow their favorite female athletes and teams, contributing to overall growth in viewership.
The increased media coverage has also helped highlight the exceptional athleticism and skills of female athletes in collegiate and professional sports. Women athletes in the NCAA have shown their extreme athleticism and skills. Caitlin Clark, an Iowa basketball player who won the Naismith Player of the Year award for the 2023 season, is an exceptional example of the undeniable talent in women’s sports. Recently, Steven A. Smith, a well-known television sports host, said, “This girl is the best in the world on the collegiate stage… she is a sensational talent and the Steph Curry of women’s basketball.” A broadcaster with such a well-known reputation in the sports industry commenting on this caliber amplifies Caitlin’s true talent and the talent within the women’s game.
Another example of the amplification of the extreme talent in women’s sports occurred recently with the kickoff to the 2023 women’s college basketball season. South Carolina women’s basketball player MiLaysia Fulwiley caught fire on social media for her cost-to-cost behind-the-back layup. NBA legends such as Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant took to Twitter to let the world know how unique her move was.
Finally, the greater financial investment in women’s sports has helped increase viewership. Women’s pro sports leagues like the WNBA and NWSL have made the most headway. The WNBA raised $75 million in capital as part of its first-ever funding round a year ago. In 2024, the NWSL will open the first stadium built specifically for a women’s pro sports team after devoting nearly $120 million toward the project.
The surge in women’s sports viewership is a multifaceted phenomenon fueled by increased media coverage, social media, exceptional talent, famous male athletes helping to change perceptions, and financial investments. As this momentum continues, it is essential to celebrate the achievements of female athletes, advocate for equality in sports, and ensure that the upward trajectory of women’s sports becomes a norm.
References
https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2023/womens-sports-viewership-on-the-rise/
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/04/for-womens-sports-the-media-buys-are-becoming-a-big-deal.html
https://www.rainforgrowth.com/insights-updates/womens-sports-viewership-on-the-rise-whos-watching/