Time Magazine Honors A’ja Wilson as a Woman of the Year ⭐️

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. A’ja Wilson Named to TIME’s Women of the Year List ⭐️

TIME Magazine has unveiled its 2024 Women of the Year honorees, and three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson is among the 13 trailblazing women recognized. Wilson also graces one of the issue’s covers. See her feature and exclusive photo shoot here 👉 Time Magazine

WHY IT MATTERS: TIME’s Women of the Year honorees are leaders, changemakers, and cultural influencers. Wilson has been instrumental in the explosive growth of women’s sports over the past year with her MVP-caliber dominance on the court and through her advocacy for Black women and girls.

2. Cleveland’s First-Ever Women’s Sports Bar Set to Open 🍺

Cleveland is getting its first sports bar dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. Set to open this spring, The W Sports Bar will provide a space for fans to gather and watch women’s games together—something that’s becoming increasingly popular across the U.S. (Cleveland Scene)

WHY IT MATTERS: Women’s sports fans are seeking more spaces to connect, and small businesses are taking notice. Dedicated women’s sports bars have been popping up nationwide, and Cleveland is now joining the movement. The timing couldn’t be better, as the city is rumored to be a strong contender for the next WNBA expansion team.

3. Sunday College Hoops Delivers Record ESPN Ratings 📈

Sunday’s highly anticipated doubleheader featuring UConn’s upset over South Carolina and Texas’ comeback win against LSU delivered record viewership for ESPN. The UConn vs. South Carolina showdown drew 1.8 million viewers, while Texas vs. LSU averaged 1.7 million—making them the two most-watched women’s college basketball games across ESPN platforms this season. Peak viewership hit 2.2 million and 2.3 million, respectively. (Just Women’s Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: Women’s college basketball continues to captivate audiences, and these numbers prove it. High-profile matchups featuring powerhouse programs are drawing primetime-worthy viewership. A major factor? Accessibility. Both games aired on ABC, ESPN’s flagship network, giving them a broader reach. When women’s sports are put on the main stage, fans show up.