Building brackets, yelling from couches and cheering for teams: welcome to March Madness season. Every March, women’s and men’s college basketball teams from across the country come together for a showdown that has the nation on the edge of its seat. From the high flying dunks to the clutch three-pointers, March Madness delivers legendary moments that will go down in history. Both tournaments continue to deliver the excitement of upsets, buzzer-beaters and powerhouse teams.

The women’s tournament is not to be overlooked; women’s sports are beginning to get the coverage and respect that they have always deserved. According to Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, the 2024 Women’s March Madness championship game, which averaged 18.7 million viewers, had more fans watching than the mens’ championship game, with 14.8 million viewers. With the newfound recognition and outstanding players, this year’s Women’s March Madness has become one of the most popular and intense tournaments yet.

Jose Antonio (III), a dedicated basketball fan, comments on the growth of women’s sports: “Increased visibility and coverage has given women’s sports the platform to become more popular.”

Not only are women’s sports being recognized now more than ever, but the female athletes themselves are also getting the attention they deserve. The rise of stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have transformed the women’s game into a must-watch spectacle. Clark, known for her incredible three-point shot and leadership, has captivated audiences across the nation, while Bueckers’s dominant performances have made her a renowned figure. These athletes are not just leading their teams and paving a way for women’s basketball — they are also showing the world the unmatched skill of female athletes and the untold stories of women’s sports.

This surge in popularity is not just a win for the athletes, but for the fans as well. With the rise of sponsorships, women’s sports are being placed front and center in the media and are attracting fans from all over the country. Boston Latin School health teacher and Head Coach of the girls’ basketball team Ms. Leah Lipschitz says, “It seems like more people are talking about women’s sports, [and] there are more opportunities for professional female athletes.”

The demand for women’s basketball and women’s sports in general is clear, not just in the stands but in the media and fan engagement as well. Women’s sports are no longer just a side attraction, they are the main event. The growth of these platforms for female athletes provide a space to tell their stories and inspire future generations.

Captain of the BLS girls’ basketball team Ellie Ring (I) says, “Younger girls [are] getting to see their role model play […] at the college and professional level and gain […] so much recognition, [and this] gives those girls something to strive for.” Seeing their idols succeeding in sports can make players more confident in their own play and inspire many young athletes.

The rise of women’s basketball and the increasing interest in the Women’s March Madness tournament is part of a broader trend: women’s sports are becoming more popular and people are paying attention. As women’s sports continue to gain recognition, it is important to acknowledge the unique qualities and strengths that women bring to sports.

While the physical differences between men’s and women’s sports are often discussed, it is crucial to support women in their own right: not by comparing them to men, but by celebrating their individual talents and accomplishments. Captain of the BLS girls’ crew team Alexa Schmitt (I) says, “I think that something we can do to support female athletes is to enforce that women don’t have to be exactly like men to make them good athletes. They can be in separate categories and be equally deserving of respect and support.”

Women’s sports are setting new standards of excellence and excitement. As fans continue to tune in to support these amazing athletes, female sports will only continue to grow, creating new opportunities for young players and making history in the process. Women’s sports are no longer just an afterthought.

Whether you are filling out your bracket for the men’s tournament or the women’s, one thing is certain: the game has changed, and women are leading the way.