Caitlin Clark Says Basketball Fans Are More Excited About Women's Tournament Than Men's Tourney

PublishedMarch 24, 2024 6:32 PM EDT|UpdatedMarch 24, 2024 6:32 PM EDT

Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark knows the energy around the NCAA women’s basketball tournament is different from years past.

After Iowa defeated the Holy Cross Crusaders 91-65 on Saturday, Clark spoke with reporters about how much support her team has received in the beginning days of the tournament.

"There's been like a lot of little moments, I think just the crowds at our games, but also just like the people screaming and like wanting our autographs," she said. "Like people just scream my name constantly, and I think that's something that really never gets old or something you never take for granted."

But she didn’t stop there. She mentioned that she believes the excitement around the women's game exceeds that of the men's side.

"I think also just in general like the excitement around this tournament like it's super cool like people are more excited about the women's side than men's side, and I think that's obviously something that's really never been the case before, and it's cool to see how it's evolved," she continued.

Caitlin Clark (22) has undoubtedly been the biggest catalyst for the excitement surrounding the women's tournament.

Clark is right: the excitement around this year’s women’s tournament has been exceptional. Her superstar presence alone - which was amplified when she set the NCAA career points total record - has drawn many fans to the sport who would otherwise be disinterested. Throw in the defending champ LSU Tigers with Angel Reese and the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks, and you’ve got a tournament brimming with stars and storylines.

However, that doesn’t mean that people care less about the men’s tournament. In fact, through the first three days of action, many men’s game broadcasts have received record viewership numbers.

But even if the men’s March Madness tournament is getting a lot of viewers, one thing is for certain: The women are getting their due level of recognition, and it's well deserved.