What recent basketball game broke records and continued the surge in viewership for women's sports?

Answer: LSU vs. Iowa (4/1/2024)

Hans Pennink/AP

Questions:

1. What factors do you think contributed to this being the most-watched college basketball game ever on ESPN?
2. Discuss the potential financial implications for the athletes involved in such high-visibility games.
3. Did you watch this game? If so, what was your motivation to tune in?
4. Have there been any other high-profile events that have inspired you to pay attention to something or act in a certain way?

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (NPR):

"When the two most fascinating basketball teams in the country tipped off in a win-or-go-home game Monday night, the country took notice: Iowa and LSU attracted the second-largest audience for any basketball game on ESPN — college or pro — since 2012, the network said.

ESPN says 12.3 million people watched the rematch of last year's NCAA women's tournament final, with a peak audience of 16.1 million viewers.

'Most-watched college basketball game EVER on ESPN platforms,' the network said.

The Elite Eight game pitted Iowa and its superstar Caitlin Clark, the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, against LSU and its superstar, Angel Reese, the NCAA's record holder for double-doubles in a season."

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.