The NCAA Women’s Final Four is set to kick off with high anticipation, featuring powerhouse teams and an upstart looking to claim the crown. The University of South Carolina enters as the favorite, but the University of Connecticut and University of Iowa semifinal winner could pose a challenge.
The national television audience is expected to be record-breaking, with recent games attracting millions of viewers. Women’s basketball is experiencing a financial upswing, driven by NIL deals and increased sponsorships.
Women’s sports are emerging as an economic force, with WNBA and NWSL franchises seeing significant value growth. Despite these positive trends, the NCAA has faced criticism for neglecting the economic potential of women’s basketball.
Last year, the NCAA secured a media rights deal for women’s basketball, but questions remain about the true value of the sport compared to men’s basketball. The disparity in post-season revenues between men’s and women’s tournaments has raised concerns about equity.
The Knight Commission has called for equal incentives for men’s and women’s teams, highlighting the need for financial parity in college sports. Without addressing these disparities, women’s basketball may struggle to reach its full economic potential.
