The historic NCAA Women’s Championship game is still fresh in the minds of the basketball world. The thrilling matchup between LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes in April has been etched forever in the memory of basketball fans. This historic national-title game saw two of the most promising talents in the college basketball world go head-to-head; Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, with Reese and the Tigers prevailing. However, the game also witnessed several unimaginable records being broken. One such record was the viewership record for women’s college basketball games.

The championship game drew 9.9 million viewers to become the most-watched women?s college basketball game in history. Interestingly, this matchup seems to have set a trend for a viewership boost in women’s basketball games. However, this boost has also propelled major betting interest in women’s basketball.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark set a trend for WNBA to follow

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark made headlines throughout their run in the NCAA tournament. Both superstars put up unprecedented numbers. They establish themselves as the most talented athletes in the circuit. Their reputation made the LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes’ matchup one of the most anticipated encounters of the year.

Naturally, this led to a major viewership boost nationwide. However, this trend did not stop there.

Viewership has been on a steady rise in the WNBA for several years. However, after some heroics from the likes of Sabrina Ionescu and Diana Taurasi, the 2023 season has seen some historic viewership figures. The 2023 season witnessed a 46% rise in year-over-year viewership increase in just the midway point. This also led to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announcing the league’s active plans for expansion. However, the success seems to have spread to a different aspect too.

The viewership boost has actively contributed to the betting industry too in the past few years. This has led to unforeseen revenue from the industry as well.

Viewership boost propels betting interest

Although the WNBA did not start off as a highly viewed league, it has now become an essential part of American sports. With the historic rise in viewership this season, the WNBA was all set to make significant revenue. However, an unexpected influx from the betting industry has further boosted its success.

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$22B worth of gambling company, FanDuel recently reported a significant rise in betting interest in the WNBA. Prior to the 2023 season, only 7 WNBA games had generated handles of $1M or more. However, this season has generated a whopping 22 of these games. Additionally, WNBA betting rookies have accounted for 69% of WNBA bets this season.

?We are getting a lot of first-time bettors. But we?re also getting a lot of seasoned bettors who have interest now in these leagues, and these teams that they may not have in the past?, FanDuel?s VP of brand strategy Jennifer Matthews told Front Office Sports.

She further added, ?Women?s sports are so much more ingrained in our culture now?.

WNBA’s Chief Growth Officer, Colie Edison, also weighed in on this steep rise. “Sports betting and women?s sports are two of the biggest areas of growth in the sports industry, and we?re only scratching the surface for both in the U.S.,”?she said.

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Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark may have paved the way for one of the most significant moments in women’s basketball history. The WNBA is currently hitting major strides in viewership, thanks to the sharp rise in betting interest.