The Rise of Women’s Basketball
“I am so glad that women's sports have been receiving a lot more love than what they used to, and I hope they keep receiving more and more love.”
Women’s basketball has gained a significant popularity, especially with the NCAA playoffs, which broke TV records for the most watched women's sports game ever. Not just that, but the most viewed basketball game ever was during the final four with Iowa and UConn. From being called a sport “that can put anyone to sleep” to now the most viewed basketball game ever watched is pretty impressive.
The rise of women’s basketball is bigger than basketball. It represents a shift in the world of sports and the new opportunity for future generations. The Federal Law of Title IX passed in 1972 also played a big role in the altering of women's sports. Title IX prohibits gender inequality in education. Even though the law was not regarding sports and was more focused on the fact that most of the college population were men, it still contributed to why women's basketball is getting its well-deserved recognition.
For me, Maty, growing up, my family watched basketball all the time. Whether it was on the TV or on my parent’s phone. I used to think that basketball was a sport that only boys played. Not having that exposure to women’s basketball, that’s all I knew. As I got older, I got exposed to women’s basketball and one thing I noticed is the hype was not there compared to men's basketball. Fast forward to 2024, a TikTok on Iowa vs South Carolina landed on my for you page. Everyday a new video shows up nonstop, and each is more captivating than the other one.
And for me, Avery, basketball was all about the NBA when I was growing up. As I grew up it wasn’t so common hearing about the WNBA or women’s sports in general. It's crazy how it has come up from a “boring sport to watch” and now the most captivating sport on social media. I’ve seen how much women's basketball has raised the bar, especially in college sports over time, where it has received more and more growth with viewers. The Final Four really impacted women's basketball, especially, as it broke so many viewing records on ESPN. The basketball community would rather watch NCAA women's basketball than an NBA game! This was unheard of years ago. I am so glad that women's sports have been receiving a lot more love than what they used to, and I hope they keep receiving more and more love.
TikTok has helped increase the popularity of collegiate women's sports. In most places on social media it's about the final four of women's sports that have been seen all around like Iowa, UConn, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It’s very interesting seeing it on most of our social media platforms, especially since women's basketball doesn’t get that much recognition. Seeing the engagement and the tweets on Twitter has gen-z and millennials going crazy. If you are unaware, we are going to touch up on the background behind the NCAA and rivalries between the four teams.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a non profit organization in the US that manages college athletics. The NCAA helped transform women’s basketball. It allowed for talent to be developed in those colleges before getting the chance to go on to the Women’s National Basketball association. It also allowed for more media coverage which promotes the rise of women's basketball. NCAA women’s basketball has 3 divisions, and it runs between November to April.
South Carolina's journey to the 2024 Women's Basketball Final Four involves the center, Kamilla Cardoso, who has shown her true potential on the court. One of the most dominant centers to finish around the basket, Kamilla's strong performances have strengthened the team drastically. Coach Jessica Barnes of South Carolina uses Kamilla's skills when needed to boost the teams offensively and defensively. With the coaching and team chemistry, they represent some of the best collegiate basketball.
North Carolina State's road to the 2024 Women's Basketball Final Four involves the highly regarded guard, Aziaha James. She's been a game-changer on the court, averaging 17 points per game, helping the team move forward into the final four. Coach David Smith knows how to use Aziaha's scoring abilities to make the team better offensively. Together, they're showing everyone what women's college basketball is all about.
Iowa's journey to the 2024 Women's Basketball Final Four has been extremely beneficial for the guard Caitlin Clark. She's been a real star on the court so far, and has been starting to change the women's basketball game by her amazing shooting ability. Her impact on women's basketball has been amazing, as she has drawn comparisons to the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. That comparison has shown a lot in regards to her 3-point ability. Coach Lisa Evans has shown that she can trust Clark’s talent to make the team better on offense. Caitlin Clark has shown a significant impact on women's basketball, and has changed people's mind towards women's basketball being "more compelling."
UConn's road to the 2024 Women's Basketball Final Four has had an outstanding journey, marked by guard Paige Bueckers’ performance. Bueckers has contributed significantly to her team's wins, leading up to winning the NCAA Championship game. Her scoring ability has played a huge role in UConn and their ability to win the championship. She was averaging 22 points per game at the highest level of collegiate basketball for women is very impressive. Coach Sarah Johnson has played a major part this season in the success of the UConn championship. The battle between Iowa and UConn and Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers made their game the most watched basketball game ever.
We interviewed Mr. O’Neal, a staff member at Comp Sci High and we asked him four questions regarding the rise of women’s basketball.
What are your thoughts on the rise of women’s basketball?
O’Neal: “I love it because it shows how the game is played at a high level in a different manner. Compared to the men’s game, the women’s game is really focused on skill.”
How would you compare this season to other seasons of college basketball?
O’Neal: “They actually created stars. The competition between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark was amazing. Regardless of what sport it is, it’s good to have rivalries, as it makes you want to watch out of pure curiosity. The season is also more entertaining and the market is also well strategized.”
What are your thoughts on the playing style?
O’Neal: “Women’s basketball is similar to European basketball. Their style actually teaches you basketball. American Men's basketball is more centered on a player’s athleticism. Women's basketball helps you understand basketball and the art of it.”
Out of the Final Four stars,who's your favorite? Caitlyn, Paige, Kamilla, or Aziaha?
O’Neal: “I’m a bit biased but Caitlyn because she plays the game like a vet. Doesn’t have flaws, she can pass, shoot, basically everything. It is as if she played in the WNBA for 10 years. She came in at a veteran playing level as a rookie and she dropped 21 points in her first game.”
All in all women’s basketball is now getting the recognition that it deserves; this is through the growth of women's basketball on social media. Social media has affected the lives of these young stars coming from college into the WNBA. They will have an impact on women basketball for the generations to come. Since these WNBA players are getting a lot more recognition, this will lead into the amount of love and support they receive. Hopefully, future college prospects for women teams are able to be provided NIL deals similar to what the men earn.
In the past, women’s basketball was looked at and paid less than men’s basketball. With the acknowledgement that these players receive the next step needs to be a higher income and salary for women's basketball players. In addition to that, we are at a point where arenas are selling out — the world is in the palm of women’s hands. Women's basketball is on the rise and the craft of these players will continue to rise and get the respect it deserves.
#girlpower
#theskyisthelimit.