Sports
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Outrates Men’s For First Time
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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“
Top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2024.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: $260 million total earnings
- Jon Rahm: $218 million total earnings
- Lionel Messi: $135 million total earnings
- LeBron James: $128.2 million total earnings
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: $111 million total earnings
- Kylian Mbappe: $110 million total earnings
- Neymar: $108 million total earnings
- Karim Benzema: $106 million total earnings
- Stephen Curry: $102 million total earnings
- Lamar Jackson: $100.5 million total earnings, Click here to more..
Entertainment
Antonela Roccuzzo And Lionel Messi Party With Inter Miami At Famous Bash
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!”
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.
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.
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.
NEWS
Athletic Club’s Copa del Rey Triumph: A Historic Victory
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.
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.
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Zendaya and Tom Holland kiss at The London Challengers premiere.
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Zendaya Opens Up About Racy Scenes and Family Reactions in New Film
-
Health Care2 months ago
WHO Scientist Urges Monitoring & Prep For Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Zendaya Is Proud Of How Tom Holland Has Handled His Career
-
Entertainment1 month ago
Taylor Swift Sex Life and Romance with Travis Kelce Revealed
-
NEWS3 months ago
Is Trump Going To Jail? Your Questions About Trump’s Trial Answered
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Tom Holland: Is Spider-Man 4 Coming?
-
Entertainment2 months ago
2023 Miss USA Resignations: Tip of the Iceberg, Insiders Say