Women's NCAA tournament ticket prices are down but still strong post-Caitlin Clark
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Ticket prices for the women's NCAA tournament semifinal and championship games are down from last year across multiple resale ticketing sites.
State of play: This could be the post-Caitlin Clark effect.
Catch up quick: When Clark played in the 2024 championship game, it was in the top five for most in-demand tickets in women's college basketball since 2019.
What they're saying: "The momentum from last season's record-breaking tournament has held steady, and while demand doesn't appear to be at last year's record high, this still remains one of the most sought-after women's NCAA tournaments to date, with fans eager to relive the excitement and magic," Chris Leyden, director of category marketing at SeatGeek, told Axios.
Yes, but: Although TV ratings and ticket prices are lower, they are still strong compared to play before the Caitlin Clark era.
By the numbers: On Gametime, the get-in ticket prices for the semifinal games were down 56.88% from last year, while the championship game get-in price is down 59.28%. Median prices for the championship game are down 46.16%.
- On SeatGeek, the average ticket price for the Sweet 16 were down 33% and Elite 8 down 44%.
💠Analis' thought bubble: UConn guard Paige Bueckers, UCLA center Lauren Betts, South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao and Texas forward Madison Booker are names that have been driving conversations in this year's semifinal and championship excitement.
What we're watching: With or without Clark, fans are still watching women's basketball games at a record pace, with viewership growing in 70 markets since the opening rounds, writes Axios' Maxwell Millington.
Up next: Connecticut and South Carolina face off in the championship game at 3pm ET Sunday on ABC.
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