The success of women's college basketball is more than just Caitlin Clark

Mar 19, 2024
There are now a lot more ways to watch and engage with sports. People are seeking out women’s leagues on streaming platforms. Social media hype is attracting new fans. And brands are taking notice, providing the women's league with more resources.
University of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is getting a lot of credit for the growing fan base of NCAA women's basketball. "But this is not the one and only talent," says sports management professor Ceyda Mumcu of the University of New Haven..
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As women's sports grow in popularity, so does the bar that only airs women's matches

Apr 7, 2023
"Spaces like this are really important for not just sports and not just representation, but for the people who come to be a part of that community," said Jenny Nguyen, owner of the Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon.
Celebrating the bar's first anniversary, Nguyen reflects on the The Sports Bra's place in the community.
Courtesy Dorothy Wang

College stars' name and image deals vs. the health of athletic departments

Mar 15, 2023
The channeling of NIL cash to athletes poses a risk to athletic department funding. Author Bruce Schoenfeld explains.
As March Madness rolls around, author Bruce Schoenfeld discusses how NIL deals are affecting funding for college athletic departments.
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When collegiate sports are sidelined, schools and local economies take a hit

Aug 4, 2020
Competitive athletic programs are vital to collegiate economics, one expert says. Local businesses depend on them, too.
The Virginia Cavaliers celebrate their victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2019 NCAA championship. The men's basketball tournament is the financial engine that drives the NCAA.
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March Madness means lots of illegal sports betting

Mar 22, 2018
A New Jersey casino gambling case before the Supreme Court could open the door for more legal sports gambling.
A general view as the Miami Hurricanes face the Wichita State Shockers during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Dunkin' Donuts Center on March 19, 2016 in Providence, Rhode Island. 
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Nike makes a full-court press

Mar 21, 2017
March Madness is upon us and college basketball teams aren’t the only ones competing. The games are also a battleground for shoe and apparel brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. Nike still rules when it comes to sponsorships, but the competition is gaining. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Why aren't people watching women's basketball?

Apr 5, 2016
For a lot of fans, March Madness ended with Villanova's buzzer-beater. Why?
Moriah Jefferson of the Connecticut Huskies shoots against Gabriella Hanson of the Oregon State Beavers in the second quarter during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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All bets are off for DraftKings and FanDuel in New York

Mar 21, 2016
The gambling sites are waiting out for a possible bill in their favor
Both companies are under investigation in multiple states. 
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Who wins March Madness? The NCAA

Mar 15, 2016
Revenues from men's college basketball are up, but athletes' scholarships often don't even cover college costs.
Revenue for men's college basketball is at an all-time high, but athletes' scholarships often don't cover the entire cost of attending college.
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ESPN doubles as the Grinch

Apr 8, 2015
Twelve-year-old Sam Holtz just wants his prize already.