The highly anticipated women’s college basketball game on Sunday was declared the most bet-on female sports event by three sportsbooks, including Red Rock Las Vegas race and sportsbook director Chuck Esposito. The game broke handle records and set a new record for the number of betting tickets written on it, indicating the incredible interest from both viewers and bettors.
Westgate executive vice president of race and sports operations Jay Kornegay noted that South Carolina’s 87-75 victory over Iowa to cap off a perfect season nearly doubled the betting amount from Iowa’s Elite Eight victory over LSU. BetMGM also reported that this was their most wagered women’s sports event, further highlighting the popularity of the game.
Caitlin Clark, who vied for her third title under coach Dawn Staley against Iowa, was a significant attraction for betting and TV ratings due to her exceptional performance, particularly her proficiency in taking 3-point shots from all over the court. Her last game at Iowa drew record numbers of viewers to women’s college basketball, cementing her status as a standout player in the sport.
Clark is now the strong favorite to be the No. 1 selection in the upcoming WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, further underscoring the excitement surrounding her performance and potential future in professional basketball. The success of this game has brought unprecedented attention to women’s college basketball, paving the way for more opportunities and exposure for female athletes in this sport.
