Three Big Takeaways from the Women's March Madness Tournament Ahead of the WNBA Draft
After two weeks of March Madness, LSU was crowned champions, and we saw many storylines hit the media. Ahead of the WNBA draft next week on April 10, let’s recap the three biggest takeaways from the college tournament.
3. Media Coverage of the women’s tournament levels up
Part of why the women’s tournament felt like it overpowered the men’s tournament included the resources put into properly covering the games. ESPN provided an hour-long “Bracketology” show covering the women’s bracket when the seedings were announced, which was crucial in the pre-tournament coverage. During the tournament, we were also gifted with the “College Gameday” panel, consisting of basketball hosts Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter, and more star-studded media personalities who provide exceptional coverage of the sport.
A lot of effort was put into providing quality tournament coverage, whether on live broadcasts, social media, or other channels. It ultimately led to storylines and news being at the forefront of media coverage.
2. Angel Reese vs Caitlin Clark: disparities in the way media portrays them
Increased coverage also comes with instances of negativity and specific issues in the media space. For some context: with Iowa’s win in the Elite Eight, Iowa star Caitlin Clark performed the John Cena “You Can’t See Me” gesture.
The feedback on this was extremely positive. She even received approval from John Cena himself:
Following Iowa’s loss to LSU in the final, LSU’s Angel Reese performed the same taunt toward Clark. It was witty, hilarious, and entertaining. However, the internet (media AND fans) quickly made Angel Reese the villain. And it all happened so fast. I won’t share any of the negative comments so as not to amplify them, but the use of the words “classless,” “unsportsmanship-like,” and more were all rooted in two things: racism and misogyny. The Committee Sports group on Twitter does an excellent job of breaking this all down. In addition, they held a Twitter Space to acknowledge how intersectionality fits into this story.
For more on this story, tune into The Homestand Show:
1. Viewership numbers soar
9.9 MILLION VIEWERS!!! Topping off a very successful tournament, the March Madness National Championship game smashed many records:
This information will be crucial for the subsequent TV deal negotiations because it provides concrete evidence that if you build it, they will come. Solidifying massive and proper TV deals for women’s basketball (both collegiate and professional) will be a significant factor in the resources that will continue to be poured into women’s basketball.
The turnaround from March Madness to the WNBA draft is quick, and it’s an interesting time to be a pro rookie. The draft is set for April 10 at 7 pm ET on ESPN in the States and TSN3/5 in Canada. Top prospects like Aliyah Boston, Haley Jones, and Jordan Horston are all set to be picked by your favourite teams, so don’t forget to tune in!!!
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