In a major shift for women's basketball, the Final Four is set to take center stage with a lineup of rising stars and unprecedented attention. The game has come a long way in just three years, from struggles with inequities and lack of exposure to record-breaking television ratings and endorsement deals for top players.

Leading the charge at the Final Four is Caitlin Clark, the standout point guard from Iowa. Clark, who is poised to become the top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, has been captivating audiences all season with her scoring prowess and long-range shooting. Drawing comparisons to some of the game's greats, Clark is well aware of the increased visibility she and her peers are enjoying compared to previous years.

Paige Bueckers, the sensational guard from UConn, is another player to watch in the Final Four. Despite returning for a fifth season, Bueckers has made a remarkable comeback from an ACL injury in 2022 and has led her team through multiple season-ending injuries. Her resilience and leadership have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

But the Final Four is not just about Clark and Bueckers. The tournament has showcased a plethora of talented players from schools like South Carolina, NC State, USC, Notre Dame, and LSU. The rise of these stars, coupled with the opening of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, has brought unprecedented endorsement deals and exposure to women's college basketball.

It wasn't long ago that the women's tournament faced significant disparities compared to the men's tournament. However, the outcry from players and fans following the 2021 NCAA Tournament, highlighted by the stark inequities in facilities and resources, spurred a significant shift in attention toward women's basketball. The NCAA, forced to confront gender equity issues, made changes such as granting the women's tournament "March Madness" branding and addressing other disparities.

This year's Final Four represents the culmination of this transformation. Exciting matchups between powerhouse programs like South Carolina and NC State, followed by the highly anticipated showdown between Clark's Iowa and Bueckers' UConn, promise to captivate fans and further elevate the visibility of women's basketball.

The increased attention surrounding the Final Four is indicative of a broader shift in the sport. Television ratings have shattered previous records, highlighting the growing appeal of women's basketball. Star players are now signing endorsement deals with major brands and featuring in high-profile advertising campaigns.

While this newfound spotlight is long overdue, players like Clark emphasize the talent and personality that has always existed in women's basketball. They commend the past stars who played in less visible eras, acknowledging that the game has finally caught up to the talent it has always harbored.

As the Final Four approaches, anticipation mounts, with tickets becoming a hot commodity. The stage is set for a memorable showcase of women's basketball, with the spotlight firmly on the rising stars and the transformation of the sport.