It is impossible to ignore the massive, national story that the Iowa Hawkeyes are. They are rock stars in every arena they go into and that is translating to television.
Led by Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes are drawing massive ratings and garnering more national coverage with each passing game. The Hawkeyes are rewarding networks and streaming services handsomely: They have set the record for viewership on six outlets (five TV networks and one streaming service).
The Iowa Hawkeyes have participated in the most-watched women’s basketball game of all time on ABC, Big Ten Network, Fox, FS1, NBC and Peacock.
.@CaitlinClark22 and @IowaWBB have participated in the most-watched women's basketball game ever for 6️⃣ different networks 👀 📺 pic.twitter.com/6embe2B3jM
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) February 28, 2024
The Iowa viewing craze is sure to continue when it hosts Ohio State on Sunday. The game is televised on Fox and is poised to break another viewing record. Not only does this game feature two top-10 teams vying for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but it comes on the heels of Clark’s announcement that she will enter the WNBA draft this year.
As Clark’s time in the women’s college game draws to a close, networks are going to covet the broadcast rights to the Hawkeyes’ remaining games.
With the Big Ten tournament and NCAA Tournament coming up, Iowa is sure to headline more networks. Iowa’s Big Ten tournament games will be carried on the Big Ten Network. The championship game will be carried on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.
Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7