The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four this year saw an unprecedented drop in viewership, sparking controversy and public debates. Angel Reese, one of the star players involved, has come forward with accusations that little girls are being racist towards her, pointing to the stark contrast in viewership numbers from last year. This viewership drop, an eye-opening 71% decrease from 2023, has resulted in a staggering loss of over 10 million viewers. Let’s break down the factors contributing to this dramatic shift and what it means for the future of women’s college basketball.

The Viewership Drop and the Absence of Caitlin Clark

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, a highly anticipated event every year, usually attracts millions of viewers. Last year, the presence of Caitlin Clark, the star player for the University of Iowa, was a major draw. Her talent and the narrative surrounding her performance helped propel the viewership numbers to record highs. However, this year, the absence of Clark, who had been a central figure in the competition, resulted in a noticeable decline in the overall audience.

The viewership for the 2024 Final Four plummeted by an alarming 71%, which translates to a loss of over 10 million viewers compared to the previous year. This drastic drop is one of the most significant changes in the history of NCAA Women’s Basketball viewership and has raised questions about the factors driving such a decline.

The Accusations by Angel Reese

Amidst this dramatic fall in viewership, Angel Reese, another star player for LSU, voiced her frustration. In an emotional statement, Reese accused little girls of being racist after they allegedly expressed disdain towards her. The accusations came after Reese’s outspoken performances during the tournament, where she displayed a high level of confidence and competitive spirit, often drawing comparisons to Caitlin Clark.

Reese’s comments quickly went viral, with people from all sides of the issue chiming in. She expressed her disappointment with how she was being treated, specifically calling out the bias she felt was directed toward her as a Black athlete. Reese’s powerful statements have sparked a debate on race, gender, and representation in sports, especially in women’s basketball, where star athletes like Reese and Clark are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Understanding the Context of the Viewership Drop

To understand the magnitude of this drop, it’s essential to examine the broader context of college basketball and media coverage. Caitlin Clark’s performances last year captured the attention of the nation, and she became a household name. Her success on the court helped elevate the sport to new heights, drawing attention not only from fans of basketball but also from casual viewers and sports enthusiasts across different demographics.

In contrast, the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament did not feature the same star power. The absence of Clark left a noticeable gap in the storyline that had captivated so many in 2023. This is not to say that the athletes this year were not talented or capable of exciting play, but the narrative surrounding Clark’s record-breaking achievements had been a major catalyst for increased viewership.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

In today’s digital age, social media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, and it has been particularly influential in sports. The 2023 NCAA Women’s Tournament saw extensive social media coverage, with influencers, sports analysts, and fans alike highlighting Clark’s incredible performances. As a result, her visibility surged, making her a central figure in the media conversation about women’s college basketball.

This year, however, the lack of a similar narrative left a void that was felt not only in viewership numbers but also in the media coverage surrounding the tournament. Social media buzz around the event was relatively quieter, contributing to the significant decrease in viewer engagement.

The Bigger Picture: Race and Representation in Sports

Reese’s accusations highlight a larger issue that extends beyond just basketball—race and representation in sports. The dynamics between athletes like Caitlin Clark, who is white, and Angel Reese, who is Black, have sparked conversations about the racial undertones that exist in sports fandoms and media narratives. While Clark’s success in 2023 was widely celebrated, Reese’s rise to prominence has been marked by a more complex and divisive set of reactions.

In her statement, Reese expressed how she felt she was being unfairly judged by a segment of the audience. She suggested that her race played a role in how she was perceived and treated, particularly by younger viewers, who should be more open-minded and supportive of athletes based on their skills rather than their racial background. The public’s reaction to Reese’s comments has been mixed, with some defending her right to speak out about her experiences, while others have dismissed her accusations as misplaced.

The Impact on Women’s Sports

The drop in viewership for the NCAA Women’s Final Four is not just a loss for the athletes involved but also a broader reflection of how women’s sports are viewed by the public. Women’s sports have long struggled to achieve the same level of media attention and financial backing as their male counterparts. The fluctuations in viewership numbers, especially after the absence of a dominant figure like Caitlin Clark, reveal the fragile nature of the audience engagement in women’s college basketball.

For women’s sports to continue to thrive and grow in popularity, it will take more than just talented athletes—it will require sustained media coverage, investment, and a commitment to telling the stories of these athletes, regardless of their race or background. The shift in viewership is a reminder of how much work still needs to be done to level the playing field for women in sports.

The accusations made by Angel Reese serve as a powerful reminder of the racial biases that continue to exist within the world of sports. They also shine a light on the challenges that female athletes, particularly women of color, face when it comes to gaining the recognition and respect they deserve. The loss of over 10 million viewers for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four is not just a statistic—it is a reflection of the need for better representation, more inclusive storytelling, and a more supportive fanbase.

As we move forward, it is essential that we examine how media coverage and fan perceptions influence the popularity of women’s sports. The future of women’s basketball and other women’s sports depends on embracing diversity, supporting all athletes, and ensuring that their talents are celebrated without prejudice. If we can learn to uplift athletes like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark equally, we may see a brighter future for women in sports, with a more engaged and inclusive audience.