In a thrilling showdown between the University of Connecticut (UConn) and the University of Iowa, the Women's NCAA Final Four game attracted a record-breaking audience of 14.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen data cited by ESPN. The intense match, which ended with a score of 71-69, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.

This remarkable viewership for the UConn-Iowa faceoff surpassed the previous rating record of 12.3 million viewers, set on April 1 when Iowa secured victory over LSU in the Elite 8 game. ESPN reported that viewership reached its peak at 17 million viewers during the intense battle.

Earlier in the day, the University of South Carolina claimed a spot in the NCAA women's basketball national championship game by defeating North Carolina State. The telecast of that game drew an average of 7.1 million viewers.

Together, the UConn-Iowa and NC State-South Carolina games combined for an average of 3.1 million viewers in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic, a staggering 130% increase compared to last year's women's Final Four games. This surge in viewership highlights the growing popularity and attention that the NCAA women's basketball tournament has garnered this year, overshadowing the men's brackets.

Throughout the tournament, the exceptional skills and performances of standout players like LSU's Angel Reese, UConn's Paige Bueckers, USC's JuJu Watkins, and the University of South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso have captivated audiences. Notably, Caitlin Clark, who recently became the highest-scoring basketball player in NCAA history, has become a significant draw for fans.

Looking ahead, Clark, Reese, and Cardoso have expressed their intentions to enter the WNBA draft in 2025, further adding to the excitement surrounding women's college basketball and the future of these talented athletes.

As the NCAA women's basketball championship game approaches, the nation eagerly awaits a thrilling finale that is sure to add to the growing legacy of this year's tournament.