Top 10 most-watched basketball games of 2024 ft. Iowa vs. South Carolina
In a banner year of basketball, it was women's hoops that made the biggest jump. Information from the CBK Report noted that of the 10 most-watched basketball games of 2023-24, three of the top six are women's basketball games. Here's the rundown on the most viewed hoops games of the year to date.
Top 10 most-watched basketball games of 2024
10. NBA Finals Game 3 (Mavericks/Celtics, 11.4 million)
The NBA placed only three games on the list of the top 10 most-viewed basketball games of 2024. Dallas made a valiant run to get back into this series, but when Luka Doncic fouled out with four minutes to play, Boston took control by a 106-99 count.
9. NC State vs. Purdue, National Semifinal (11.5 million)
The 11th-seeded NC State Wolfpack saw their championship dream run out of gas in the national semifinals against Purdue in one of the year's most-watched games. NC State kept it competitive, but paced by 20 points and 12 rebounds by Zach Edey, Purdue pulled away. The Boilermakers won 63-50, setting up a title game battle with defending champion UConn.
8. NBA Finals Game 5 (Mavericks/Celtics, 12.2 million)
The final game of the NBA season drew significant viewing numbers. The Boston Celtics claimed the franchise's 18th NBA crown with a 106-88 victory over the Mavericks. Jaylen Brown became the first Celtic to win the Bill Russell MVP Award since the death of the legendary namesake of the honor.
7. NBA Finals Game 2 (Mavericks/Celtics, 12.3 million)
The top-rated NBA game of the year included a triple-double from Luka Doncic with 32 points, 11 boards and 11 assists. The Celtics grabbed the victory, though, going up two games to none in that series.
6. Iowa vs. LSU, Women's Elite Eight (12.3 million)
A rematch of the previous year's national title game was simply a must-see battle. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese previewed their WNBA battle in a game that was tied at halftime. Iowa pulled away in the second half behind 41 points from Clark for a 94-87 win.
5. UConn vs. Alabama, National Semifinal (14.2 million)
First-time Final Four entrant Alabama reached the top five in viewing when the Crimson Tide took on defending champion UConn in the national semifinals. The game stayed close early, but UConn pulled away for an 86-72 victory and a spot in the national title game.
4. UConn v. Iowa, Women's National Semifinal (14.4 million)
An epic matchup of the top player in women's college basketball and the sport's premiere program brought in a massive viewing audience. The game didn't disappoint either. Caitlin Clark had an off night on shooting, but still helped the Hawkeyes pull through in a 71-69 squeaker.
3. Purdue vs. UConn, National Championship (14.8 million)
The Huskies' coronation as back-to-back champs in a 75-60 victory was viewed by nearly 15 million viewers. Oddly, it still wasn't the most highly viewed men's college basketball game of the year.
2. Duke vs. NC State, Elite Eight (15.1 million)
The most watched men's game of the year did have a compelling backstory, as a pair of in-state, in-conference rivals battled in a showdown to reach the Final Four. The 11th-seeded Wolfpack won an upset 76-64 win.
1. Iowa vs. South Carolina, Women's National Championship (18.9 million)
The year's must-see matchup was pretty clearly the women's national title game. With Caitlin Clark's last collegiate game being pitted against a South Carolina team looking to complete a perfect season, the viewing numbers were insane. Iowa took an early lead, but South Carolina gradually pulled away in an 87-75 win.