NCAA Women Beat Men in Finals' Ratings for First Time—but Got 99% Less TV Money

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament final drew more viewers than the men’s final for the first time in history. This was driven by the rise of Iowa standout Caitlin Clark and is seen as a significant moment for the sport. However, the difference in TV rights earnings is striking. The women’s tournament earned $6.5 million, while the men’s tournament earned $873 million.

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament final Sunday drew more viewers than the men’s final for the first time in history, fueled in part by Iowa standout Caitlin Clark’s rise to superstardom and marking a stunning moment for the sport. But that won’t be reflected in the money each side earned for TV rights: $6.5 million for the women’s tournament and $873 million for the men’s.