This season, women's college basketball on Fox has surpassed men's viewership, averaging 981,000 viewers compared to the men's 946,000. This marks a significant increase, with women's hoops viewership up 48% on Fox and 60% across all national networks. The surge in popularity is largely attributed to the 'Caitlin Clark Effect,' highlighting the impact of standout players on the sport's appeal. Despite the men's game being described as entertaining, it lacks the breakout stars that have historically driven viewership increases. Caitlin Clark, in particular, has been a major draw, leading to discussions about her unparalleled influence on the game and her recognition as The Athletic’s women's basketball Player of the Year. Her ability to attract fans across demographics and create a unique experience has been noted as a key factor in the shift in viewership trends.
College hoops is uniquely positioned to create single-player hysteria. And Caitlin Clark is more than a player. She's an experience. @DanaONeilWriter on how Clark’s extra X chromosome adds a nuance that Pete Maravich, Jimmer Fredette and Steph Curry didn’t have to navigate ⤵️
Great to talk to @RebeccaLobo as Caitlin Clark embarks on the final postseason run of her collegiate career: “We simply have not seen this type of player before…it’s extraordinary what she's doing in terms of transcending every demographic and every kind of sports fan." https://t.co/GuARcTVEZs
Witnessing more than 15,000 fans at a neutral site live and die with every moment of a nonconference game was all the proof necessary. The other moments that made Caitlin Clark The Athletic’s women’s basketball Player of the Year ⤵️ https://t.co/aS6R06JwBi https://t.co/pARRzpJ5i5
Men’s college basketball on FOX is averaging less viewers per game this season than Women’s college basketball. Pretty incredible stat that shows how much of a star Caitlin Clark is, and how few superstars men’s college basketball has right now. I’m sure March numbers will…
Women’s college hoops now averaging more viewers than men’s games on Fox this season https://t.co/gUlXQMQvus https://t.co/Z9chZwOiSz
Two things can be true: Caitlin Clark is the biggest star in college hoops right now. The on-court men's "product" is as entertaining as it's been in a long time. Now, does it translate to casuals tuning in pre-March? Idont know. But does the womens game without Clark?! https://t.co/wt5YwnlDNJ
As @mulvihill79 pointed out, women’s college basketball is averaging a bigger audience than men’s college basketball on Fox. https://t.co/iowGIZAxGI
The main headline here is "The Caitlin Clark effect" and women's hoops thriving. But the other headline is men's hoops struggling. College basketball is driven by STARS, and there just aren't many right now in the men's game that break through in a Zion Williamson-like way. https://t.co/j7TEwdPixz
College basketball average TV viewership on Fox this season: Women: 981k Men: 946k The Caitlin Clark Effect. Women's hoops viewership is up 48% on Fox this season and up 60% across all national networks, per @mulvihill79.
Women’s college basketball is now averaging a little bit bigger audience than Men’s CBB on FOX (981k vs 946). Women’s CBB is up +48% on FOX this season and up +60% across all national networks.