12.3 million: Iowa's victory over LSU is the most-watched women's college basketball game on record
Caitlin Clark can claim another record, the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever
BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark can claim another highlight — the most-watched women's college basketball game on record.
Iowa's 94-87 victory over LSU in Monday night's Albany 2 Region final averaged 12.3 million viewers on ESPN, according to Nielsen. Clark scored 41 points as the Hawkeyes avenged last year's loss to the Tigers in the national championship game.
The viewership surpassed the 11.84 million who watched the 1983 NCAA championship game between Southern California and Louisiana Tech. LSU coach Kim Mulkey played for Louisiana Tech and was matched up against USC great Cheryl Miller in that game, which was won by the Trojans 64-58.
According to Sports Media Watch, it is the most-viewed basketball game on ESPN since Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals, when the Cleveland Cavaliers' victory over the Boston Celtics averaged 13.6 million.
