Iowa-UConn Final Four matchup draws record viewership

Iowa vs. UConn peaked at 17 million viewers and ranked as ESPN's highest audience for a basketball game. Meanwhile, it was the highest-rated non-football telecast ever and the most-viewed college event during the history of the network's streaming service, ESPN+. 

The Clark and Paige Bueckers effect certainly played a role in drawing eyes. However, the other Final Four contest between undefeated South Carolina and NC State averaged 7.1 million viewers, the third-most for a women's national semifinal game. 

Star power wasn't the only thing keeping viewers glued to the screen for Iowa vs. UConn. The contest also went down to the wire, capturing the attention of even casual fans until the final buzzer. Meanwhile, South Carolina vs. NC State still drew a significant number despite the game being all but decided early in the second half. 

The explosion of women's basketball doesn't appear to be slowing down soon. In fact, thanks to increased visibility, it's becoming the norm. 

This season alone saw a 60 percent jump in ratings, while each round of this year's tournament has also seen an incredible rise in viewership. It's clear by now that women's basketball is indeed a draw, and there's reason to believe the spike in interest will only continue to rise.