League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Big Ten women's sports gain traction with rising attendance and viewership

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 10:16 AM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Big Ten women's sports gain traction with rising attendance and viewership

Summary

Big Ten women's sports are experiencing significant growth as showcased during Caitlin Clark's jersey retirement at Iowa on February 2, 2025. Over 1.1 million viewers watched the event, with secondary-market tickets reaching $650. Following Clark's success, the Big Ten reports substantial increases in ratings across various women's sports. Volleyball, in particular, captured attention with record attendance figures and viewership peaks during televised events. The conference aims to further capitalize on this momentum with initiatives designed to enhance visibility and promote its top programs.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Caitlin Clark's jersey retirement event drew over 1.1 million viewers.
•Secondary-market tickets for the event reached $650.
•Women's basketball ratings are up 38% since 2021-22.
•Big Ten will increase its televised women's sporting events by 24% in four years.
•Nebraska volleyball set a global attendance record with 92,003 fans.

Latest Updates

10:16 AMYahoo Sports — Big Ten women’s sports are having a moment. What is the league doing to capitalize?

What they're saying

"
Lisa Bluder had a captivated audience, and she had a point she wanted to make. On the floor at Carver-Hawkeye Arena stood her former player Caitlin Clark, on hand to watch her No. 22 Iowa jersey be hoisted to the rafters, fittingly on Feb. 2 (or “2-2”), 2025. A few feet away sat the USC women’s basketball team, including budding superstar JuJu Watkins. Secondary-market tickets had reached $650 for spots in nosebleed sections, and more than 1.1 million people watched from home. Bluder, the winnin
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

WNBA Basketball