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The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Outrates Men’s For First Time

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Staley and the Gamecocks receive the trophy on court for the third time in program history
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For the first time in 42 years, the NCAA women’s basketball final had more viewers than the men’s.

The women’s national championship game between South Carolina and Iowa drew 18.9 million viewers, with a peak of 24.1 million in the last 15 minutes, according to Nielsen. It was the most viewed women’s collegiate basketball game in history, with the previous year’s 9.9 million viewers more than doubled.

About The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final

On Monday, the University of Connecticut’s victory over Purdue in the men’s final drew 14.8 million viewers, Nielsen said. That was up a smidge from the 14.7 million who watched last year’s men’s championship game, but fell 4 million viewers short of the women’s final.

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final

The biggest reason why the women ncaa basketball final outrated the men this year: Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark, who scored 30 points in the Hawkeyes’ 87-75 defeat by the undefeated Gamecocks.

Clark captivated fans all year, setting records on the court and driving the women’s game to viewership records throughout the regular season and the March Madness tournament. Clark finished the 2023-2024 season as the highest scoring collegiate basketball player in history, outpacing Louisiana State sensation (and future NBA legend and Hall of Famer) Pete Maravich, who had set the previous record in 1970.

Clark had been playing with a chip on her shoulder all season after her Hawkeyes lost in the finals the previous year to LSU — a team she and Iowa vanquished earlier in the tournament. She is widely expected to be the top pick in the WNBA draft next week.

Nielsen’s numbers include an estimate of the number of people who watched outside their homes, which wasn’t measured before 2020. Due to cord-cutting, the in-home audience has steadily declined annually.

The audience for the national title game was up 90% over last year when Clark and Iowa fell to LSU. That also was the first time since 1995 that the championship was on network television. The audience was 289% bigger than the viewership for the Gamecocks’ title two years ago when they beat UConn on ESPN.

South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate winning the championship during the Women's Final

To put the women’s championship game viewership in perspective, it outrated every 2023 World Series game and every NBA finals game from last year, according to Nielsen.

The success of this year womens ncaa basketball tournament led to many hot takes in sports media about women’s sports finally reaching equal status with men’s. But Clark’s exit from the college game and likely rookie season on the dreadful Indiana Fever — which has the first pick in the WNBA draft — will put those theories to the test later this year.

The WNBA remains financially miniscule, bringing in a reported $200 million in revenue — compared to the NBA’s more than $10 billion. ESPN’s SportsCenter provided 91 seconds of coverage for the average WNBA game, compared to 266 seconds for the average NBA game, according to Nielsen. The WNBA Finals last year averaged just 728,000 viewers a game.

Still, the league is growing, and a celebrity with nationwide name recognition and star power could work to change the WNBA’s fortunes. So far, even before Clark has been drafted, the buzz is boosting ticket sales.

the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts to a playa against the South Carolina Gamecocks

Ticket reseller TickPick said WNBA ticket sales for next season are up 222% from this point last year, and Fever tickets have already outpaced last year’s total by 86%. And Fever home games are setting back fans $81 a ticket — up from just $45 for last season.

I had not seen it much (NCAA Womens Basketball) before this year. I didn’t make it to the television. This year, it was appointed television,” said former CBS Sports president Neal Pilson, who now runs his own sports television consulting company. “That’s what happens when you see those numbers. There were a lot of people making notes to sit down and watch the games.”

Away games won’t get you any help — an opportunity to watch Caitlin Clark play in a rival city costs $108 on average, TickPick said, up 151% from last year’s $43 average ticket price to watch the Fever play an away game.

The women's national championship game between South Carolina and Iowa drew

Oh, yeah, and in the men’s college basketball final Monday, the Huskies won their second-straight championship, beating the Boilermakers, who were in their first final since 1969. Whatever.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Highest Paid Athletes 2024; Mahomes Falls

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Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates his team's second goal,
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No one can touch Cristiano Ronaldo when it comes to making money. the world highest-paid athletes,

Forbes publishes an annual ranking of the world’s highest-paid professional athletes. Cristiano Ronaldo consistently ranks as the top player every year.

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Patrick Mahomes (right)

The Portuguese soccer star remains a top earner at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. While it’s not surprising that a Saudi-funded athlete ranks second, the identity of the athlete may surprise some,”Jon Rahm is the 2nd-highest paid athlete in the world

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr controlling the ball  during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al Wehda

Top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2024.

  1. Cristiano Ronaldo: $260 million total earnings
  2. Jon Rahm: $218 million total earnings
  3. Lionel Messi: $135 million total earnings
  4. LeBron James: $128.2 million total earnings
  5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: $111 million total earnings
  6. Kylian Mbappe: $110 million total earnings
  7. Neymar: $108 million total earnings
  8. Karim Benzema: $106 million total earnings
  9. Stephen Curry: $102 million total earnings
  10. Lamar Jackson: $100.5 million total earnings, Click here to more..
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Entertainment

Antonela Roccuzzo And Lionel Messi Party With Inter Miami At Famous Bash

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Lionel Messi with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo after the match.
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Antonela Roccuzzo and Lionel Messi party this weekend. The couple attended the Bresh party in Miami, along with Inter Miami player and buddy Luis Suarez and his wife Sofia Balbi.

Photos show Roccuzzo and Messi posing for the camera in front of a large pink teddy bear. Roccuzzo looks at Messi while staring at the camera. She’s dressed in all black, with shorts and a blouse made of translucent textiles. She finished off the ensemble with some high boots and a white manicure, and she wore her hair loose with waves. Messi sported an all-black attire consisting of jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and black and white Nikes.

Suarez and Balbi had similar styles, wearing all black clothing and smiling for the camera. “The greatest happiness to have you in our house,” reads the caption on the post. “We love you!”

Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo

Rocuzzo and Balbi also snapped photos with a pal, smiling broadly for the cameras.

Lionel Messi Celebrates His Goals Against Nashville Sc

The party took place after Inter Miami played against Nashville, winning the match 3 – 1. Messi scored twice in the match, and was instrumental in scoring the third goal, providing the assist for Sergio Busquets, who ultimately scored. It marked his first goal for Inter Miami.

APRIL 20: Daniel Lovitz of Nashville SC and Lionel Messi of Inter Miami chase after the ball during the first half.

I’m very happy (to get the assist from Messi),” said Busquets to the reporters, per ESPN. I’m very happy with all that his presence means on a club level and off the field. We need to keep working to keep meeting our objectives.lionel messi inter miami jersey

In the case of Messi and Suarez, who joined the team some time after the Argentine player, the two have formed one of the best partnerships in the MLS. They’ve scored 17 goals this season alone.

Lionel Messi Celebrates His Goals Against Nashville Sc

The efforts of Messi and Suarez this season have taken Inter Miami to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference, with 18 points collected from 10 fixtures. The Herons will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to the New England Revolution.

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NEWS

Athletic Club’s Copa del Rey Triumph: A Historic Victory

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Athletic Club's
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Introduction

Athletic Club’s recent victory in the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca has marked a significant milestone in the club’s history. After a 40-year wait, the team emerged triumphant, sparking celebrations among fans and players alike. This article explores the journey to victory, the significance of the celebration, and the controversies surrounding it.

Athletic Club's

The Journey to Victory: Overcoming Challenges

Athletic Club’s path to the Copa del Rey final was not without obstacles. Facing tough opponents and enduring a grueling match, the team showcased resilience and determination. Despite conceding an early goal, they rallied together, ultimately forcing the match into penalties. It was in this high-stakes moment that Athletic’s true strength shone through, culminating in a memorable victory.

The Significance of the Celebration: Honoring Tradition

The upcoming celebration holds immense cultural significance forAthletic Club’s and its supporters. Central to the festivities is the iconic ‘La Gabarra,’ a symbolic vessel steeped in history. Translated as ‘The Barge,’ La Gabarra carries the winning squad, staff, and trophy down the river Ibaizabal, symbolizing the team’s triumph and resilience. This tradition, dating back to 1983, holds a special place in the hearts of fans, serving as a powerful symbol of Athletic’s success.

The Return of La Gabarra: A Historic Moment

After a hiatus of 40 years, La Gabarra will once again grace the waters, marking a poignant moment for the Athleticzale family. The boat’s journey down the river Ibaizabal will evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride among fans, as they line the river banks to pay tribute to their champions. For many, witnessing La Gabarra’s return is a dream come true, symbolizing the club’s enduring legacy and the unwavering support of its loyal fans.

Controversies Surrounding the Celebration: A Debate Unfolds

Preparations for the celebration have not been without controversy. In a departure from previous years, fans seeking to join La Gabarra on their own boats must now register in advance and pay various fees. This decision has sparked debate, with some questioning the ethics of profiting from a public event. Despite the controversy, anticipation for the celebration remains high, underscoring the passion and dedication of Athletic Club’s fanbase.

Anticipation Builds: A City Awaits

As the city of Bilbao eagerly awaits the return of its triumphant team, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. For Athletic Club and its supporters, the Copa del Rey triumph represents more than just a title win – it’s a testament to the team’s resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. As La Gabarra sets sail once again, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of an entire community, united in celebration of their beloved club’s success.

Conclusion

Athletic Club’s victory in the Copa del Rey final is a momentous occasion that will be remembered for years to come. From overcoming challenges on the field to honoring tradition with the return of La Gabarra, the celebration is a testament to the club’s rich history and the unwavering support of its fans. As the city of Bilbao prepares to welcome back its champions, the sense of pride and joy is palpable, highlighting the profound impact of sport on communities around the world.

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