2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Poised to Continue Historic Momentum

With record ad revenue, rising viewership, and star players Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins in focus, the tournament highlights the growing cultural and commercial power of women’s basketball.

• The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament begins this week, featuring UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins as marquee players driving significant attention.
• Last year’s women’s championship game outdrew the men’s final in viewership for the first time, solidifying the tournament’s increasing popularity.
• Ad costs for the women’s championship game have surged to $438,692 for a 30-second spot, reflecting its growing commercial value.
• The NCAA has introduced financial payments to women’s teams for participating in March Madness, marking a key step toward equity in college sports.
• ESPN’s expanded coverage and increased ratings over recent seasons underscore the sustained growth of women’s basketball as a major sporting event.

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