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Women's Championship Viewership Plummets Without Star Caitlin Clark

4/9/2025

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Summary

Caitlin Clark's Absence

The 2025 NCAA women's basketball championship experienced a staggering decline in viewership, plummeting to 8.5 million from 18.9 million in 2024, primarily due to the absence of star player Caitlin Clark. Yet, it still ranks as the third most-watched women's final in history. Meanwhile, the men's final drew 18.1 million viewers, highlighting the enduring passion for college basketball.

Summary

Story summary

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever's rising star, electrified fans by scoring 22 points in just two minutes against Iowa's male scout team. In her WNBA debut, she averaged an impressive 19.2 points, shattering rookie records. Though the Fever faced a playoff exit, Clark's remarkable talent has breathed new life into women's basketball, marking her as a standout player to watch.

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Caitlin Clark's Absence

The 2025 NCAA women's basketball championship experienced a staggering decline in viewership, plummeting to 8.5 million from 18.9 million in 2024, primarily due to the absence of star player Caitlin Clark. Yet, it still ranks as the third most-watched women's final in history. Meanwhile, the men's final drew 18.1 million viewers, highlighting the enduring passion for college basketball.

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