“Everyone watches women’s sports,” became the motto of 2024. What started as a slogan on a t-shirt took on a life of its own as women’s sports found success across different mediums. Now, as 2024 ends, ESPN has once again proved that women’s sports, especially NCAA volleyball, are amid a meteoric rise.

College volleyball’s popularity went through the roof in 2023. 1.7 million people watched the 2023 NCAA final, a 115% increase from the 786,000 people who watched in 2022. And while the average NCAA finals viewership between Penn State and Louisville dipped slightly with 1.3 million tuning in, ESPN revealed the record-breaking success on all other fronts.

“ESPN aced its 2024 @NCAAVolleyball season,” posted the official ESPN handle on X, as the network alone boasted a combined seasonal viewership of 3.7 million. However, the numbers that made up the 3.7 million figure were in themselves record-breaking parameters for ESPN. One was the NCAA volleyball championship semifinals between Penn State and Nebraska.

The massive Nebraska fan base that helped the team achieve the live attendance record of 92,003, once again had an impact. The 2024 NCAA semifinal featuring the Huskers peaked at 1.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched semifinal match in NCAA championship history. However, the one between Louisville and Pitt wasn’t far behind, with a million tuning in.

And while the regional final and semifinal matches didn’t reach the incredible highest of the NCAA volleyball championship, they also shattered records. With 594,000 tuning in for the regional finals and 311,000 watching the regional semifinals, these matches also broke ESPN viewership records. Yet, these numbers may sound much more impressive with more context.

ESPN revealed that despite slightly lower numbers for NCAA volleyball’s final match of the year, viewership for the entire championship tournament grew a whopping 41% (YOY). The sport’s popularity grew massively among the younger 18-34 age group, and women accounted for 44% of the total viewership. However, volleyball’s growth manifested beyond the numbers this year.

NCAA volleyball’s popularity transcended its fan base

While the massive viewership numbers give us a tangible sense of the growth, the fact that volleyball’s popularity has transcended to a wider audience became apparent before the NCAA Championship final. Days ahead of the historic final, which saw a female coach win the national title for the first time, a renowned WNBA coach expressed her excitement.

“Afternoon everyone! Let’s give these women representing NCAA Volleyball in an all-female coached national championship… Historical moment we are part, of a bow!” wrote the woman who made “Everyone watches women’s sport” a household phrase. “Dani Busboom-Kelly @louisvillevb Katie Schumacher-Cawley @pennstatevball you make us all proud!” she added on X.

However, the basketball coach wasn’t the only icon interested in the volleyball national championship final. That’s because Louisville native and Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow was present at the KFC Yum! Center to watch the Cardinals take on the Nittany Lions. While celebrities watching sporting events isn’t uncommon, it’s quite rare for college sports, especially volleyball. So it may be safe to assume that ESPN viewership records will continue to fall when women’s college volleyball returns in 2025.