Is There Anything to Discussing the Health of Women's College Basketball?

[HuskyNan]

Good one!
Because the girls like to go to the games to watch the boys? (Sorry if that’s sexist)
Like Field of Dreams, build it and they will come... People will watch an interesting and exciting product. That’s why people watch UConn women. The product must not have an appeal. Maybe that is what needs to be addressed. Why aren’t people attracted to the product?
I’m more surprised that young girls aren’t going. I guess it’s because their parents aren’t taking them. Come on kids- speak up!!

In the beginningof Huskmania it was the clever marketing of the players themselves of Rebecca, Jen, and Nykesha -the local girls - Carla, JJ, and Pam thatjump started the interest. People stopped them at the mall for autographs and pictures and charismatic Rebecca became the face of the program. That’s what marketing departments need to sell, the personalities because that’s what women who don’t normally watch sports will care about.

 

[MD#12Fan]

In the beginningof Huskmania it was the clever marketing of the players themselves of Rebecca, Jen, and Nykesha -the local girls - Carla, JJ, and Pam thatjump started the interest. People stopped them at the mall for autographs and pictures and charismatic Rebecca became the face of the program. That’s what marketing departments need to sell, the personalities because that’s what women who don’t normally watch sports will care about.

Nice! Reminds me that one reason I like UConn so much is because I like those girls so much. The integrity! The commitment to excellence that they make! The camaraderie and togetherness the team exemplifies.
How many times I was touched by that HBO series. Remember the short piece about Saniya Chong and her mom. Awesome!
You know, the Temple women had much to be proud of yesterday. That little girl Butts was a tough nut. Everyone on both teams played hard and clean.
I think you’re on to something!

 

[MD#12Fan]

MD,
In the mid 80s there was a huge kids only section on pull out bleachers at our women's games. At least 100 age 3-8 kids (mostly girls). They were all given shakers and allowed on the court during breaks and halftime. Quite a pleasant memory for them, I would think.
I never watch a men's game anymore, but catch as many women's as I can.

I’m a teacher, so I talk to kids anyway, but I asked a few youngsters about the game yesterday. They were excited and glowing about their UConn heroes. A teacher acquaintance buddy of mine was there with his 2 daughters, as a delayed Christmas present he told me. The older girl had a navy blue #33 jersey. My buddy’s from CT. The family was basically stoked, you could tell!
It’s not about us old farts arguing all the time. It’s about the youngsters playing the game 24-7-365 and going to the gyms to see their idols!

 

[DefenseBB]

Here’s a link to the NCAA report on women’s basketball attendance. Seems to be holding steady.

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/w_basketball_RB/2019/Attendance.pdf

I would argue the game is growing as evidenced by the television contracts schools and conferences are getting for themselves as well as the streaming rights so MORE PEOPLE are seeing games now. This is especially impressive considering all the entertainment options that are out there.

There are 10 programs now I consider elite with regularly appearances in the top 10 year in year out that are would not be in expected to make a Final Four run:
UConn
Notre Dame
Stanford
Baylor
So Carolina
Maryland
Miss State
Oregon State
Louisville
Oregon

Texas and Tenn are getting great talent but come up short in coaching. Minor changes and these programs could be ready to join this group with some strong NCAA runs.

To me, WCBB is in infinitely better. Youth sport (HS) is disparate at best AAU is prolific in profile, unfortunately the WNBA is not a truly successful commercial endeavor but the talent is phenomenal.

 

[MD#12Fan]

I would argue the game is growing as evidenced by the television contracts schools and conferences are getting for themselves as well as the streaming rights so MORE PEOPLE are seeing games now. This is especially impressive considering all the entertainment options that are out there.

There are 10 programs now I consider elite with regularly appearances in the top 10 year in year out that are would not be in expected to make a Final Four run:
UConn
Notre Dame
Stanford
Baylor
So Carolina
Maryland
Miss State
Oregon State
Louisville
Oregon

Texas and Tenn are getting great talent but come up short in coaching. Minor changes and these programs could be ready to join this group with some strong NCAA runs.

To me, WCBB is in infinitely better. Youth sport (HS) is disparate at best AAU is prolific in profile, unfortunately the WNBA is not a truly successful commercial endeavor but the talent is phenomenal.

That’s like 10 good teams in 7 different conferences. Makes for a boring regular season, January to March. What’s wrong with HS basketball. AAU for girls?
What’s the impact of the TV improvements on the sport? Besides us being able to watch the games? $ in the programs? Better gyms, practice facilities, travel?

 

[DefenseBB]

That’s like 10 good teams in 7 different conferences. Makes for a boring regular season, January to March. What’s wrong with HS basketball. AAU for girls?
What’s the impact of the TV improvements on the sport? Besides us being able to watch the games? $ in the programs? Better gyms, practice facilities, travel?

In the 37 NCAA Tournaments 2 teams have won 19 combined titles and 3 more programs have won 2 each for 25 of 37. The 10 programs that can regularly have a great shot at Final Four is a HUGE improvement over the era 20, 15 or even 10 years ago. Within the P5 conferences there are now other strong programs but aren’t elite to really contend yearly for a Final Four or NC.
SEC see Mizzou, Georgia and Kentucky showing newer coaches doing well.
PAC12 has ASU and Cal who have solid results regularly
ACC has Florida State, NC State and Syracuse showing staying power
Big10, while devoid of consistent elite programs outside of Maryland, does show the best next tier of solid teams as Michigan State, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska with very solid coaches adding in Purdue, tOSU, Rutgers, Indiana who would contend well in any conference
Big12 is curious with good program Iowa State, WV
That’s 18 additional P5 teams. That seems like an improvement to me.

HS Basketball has been declining in participation for 12 years.

The revenue has mostly helped pay Head Coaches, better pay for assistants, more trainers for the teams, better WOMEN facilities which has helped improve the quality of play with better offensive flow IMHO.

So yes, I am doubling down on the WCBB health. The WNBA has an image issue but the USA Teams do not as their support and following has been high.

 

[Rixxx]

I agree HS participation is down to the increased interest in volleyball.

 

[MD#12Fan]

I agree HS participation is down to the increased interest in volleyball.

Is volleyball a winter sport? It's a fall sport here and a perfect lead up to "the real season"- basketball.

 

[bennyskid]

College WBB is doing well in university-town schools where college athletics is the main sports entertainment in the area. It does poorly in the urban schools where it has more competition for attention. It's a good product - the quality of play and coaching has never been better - and for the sort of people that like this sort of thing, it's the sort of thing they like. But in a big city, it just isn't going to get any media exposure or social buzz - not if there is an NBA or NFL team to talk about. Gonzaga can do great in Spokane, Oregon State in Corvallis, UConn in Storrs, Tennessee in Knoxville, Notre Dame in South Bend . . . but Stanford seems doomed to always draw fewer fans than Montana. I don't see that ever changing - the sports market is fully saturated and competition for eyeballs is fierce.

 

[MD#12Fan]

College WBB is doing well in university-town schools where college athletics is the main sports entertainment in the area. It does poorly in the urban schools where it has more competition for attention. It's a good product - the quality of play and coaching has never been better - and for the sort of people that like this sort of thing, it's the sort of thing they like. But in a big city, it just isn't going to get any media exposure or social buzz - not if there is an NBA or NFL team to talk about. Gonzaga can do great in Spokane, Oregon State in Corvallis, UConn in Storrs, Tennessee in Knoxville, Notre Dame in South Bend . . . but Stanford seems doomed to always draw fewer fans than Montana. I don't see that ever changing - the sports market is fully saturated and competition for eyeballs is fierce.

Super point. Aren’t most of the Big 5 power conference teams in those types of towns. You would think the ACC and Big 12 to name a couple would be wildly popular.
Well there’s SC and Mizzou tonight. That’s what it could look like.
In the cities, where are the HS and MS girls at the games?