Tampa Wins Big With The Final Four

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Final Four Brings $30M+ Boost to Tampa 💰

Tampa is celebrating more than just great basketball this week. The city, which hosted this year’s Women’s Final Four, estimates the event generated more than $30 million in local economic impact, thanks to packed hotels, restaurants, and fan events throughout the weekend. (WTSP Tampa Bay)

WHY IT MATTERS: Over the last 15 years, only seven cities have hosted the Women’s Final Four. That’s partly because hosting requires significant infrastructure, like top-tier arenas and hotel capacity, and partly because the men’s tournament runs the same weekend, meaning cities often compete for one or the other.

But as the women’s game continues to boom, so does its value. With host cities already locked in through 2031, don’t be surprised if in a few years we see more cities fighting for their shot—or renewed calls to host the men’s and women’s tournaments in the same city.

2. National Title Game Ranks 3rd All-Time in Viewership 📈

Sunday’s NCAA championship between UConn and South Carolina drew an average of 8.5 million viewers, peaking at 9.8 million, making it the third most-watched women’s title game since ESPN began airing the tournament in 1996. It also became the second-most consumed tournament overall, with fans logging 8.5 billion minutes watched. (ESPN PR)

WHY IT MATTERS: With Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese off to the WNBA, some worried fan interest might dip drastically this season. Instead? Viewers showed up in a big way. While this year’s final didn’t top the record-setting numbers of 2024 and 2023 (which featured Clark and Reese in their now-infamous Iowa–LSU matchup), it still ranks among the most-watched ever—and reflects the growing momentum around women’s hoops.

For context: Sunday’s 2025 title game was up 75% in viewership compared to 2022, which also featured UConn vs. South Carolina. The game—and its stars—are getting stronger.

3. Adia Barnes Leaves Arizona for SMU 👀

Head coaching changes are typical this time of year, but the college game doesn’t usually see the carousel spin quite like this. In a surprising move, Arizona head coach Adia Barnes is headed to SMU. Barnes led the Wildcats to six postseason appearances, including a historic run to the national championship game in 2021—Arizona’s first-ever Final Four appearance. (KVOA Tucson)

WHY IT MATTERS: A former Wildcat star player herself, Barnes helped elevate Arizona into a national contender and became one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport, with a salary set to reach $1.3 million next season. Her departure marks a major shake-up for the program. Not only must Arizona find a new head coach, but they’re also facing a roster overhaul, as several players have already entered the transfer portal and plan to follow Barnes to SMU.