As women’s basketball surges in popularity, two standout athletes, UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins, are set to propel the sport’s growth. Representing powerhouse programs on opposite coasts, these stars are not only bringing unprecedented attention to their teams but also elevating women’s college basketball to new heights.

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb recalls a moment from this summer that reflects the growing excitement around women’s basketball. A fan approached her to ask if Watkins, USC’s breakout star and reigning Freshman of the Year, was really 6’2″. For Gottlieb, who previously coached in the NBA, the interaction felt familiar — a level of enthusiasm more often seen in men’s sports. Watkins’ play has drawn celebrity fans like LeBron James and Kevin Hart to USC games, adding to the team’s rise on the national stage with increased broadcasts on networks like ESPN and NBC.

Meanwhile, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma is seeing heightened excitement, too. This season, UConn sold out season ticket packages for the first time since the 2004 Diana Taurasi era, with fans eager to see Bueckers’ final season. The former national Player of the Year, Bueckers brings elite talent and charisma to the court, drawing in die-hard and casual fans alike. For Auriemma, the growing visibility and interest in his team — and the sport as a whole — is something he hasn’t seen in his nearly 40 years at UConn.

Women’s Basketball’s Record-Breaking Momentum

The excitement around Bueckers and Watkins reflects a broader surge in women’s basketball viewership. Last year’s NCAA women’s tournament, headlined by stars like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese, set new records with 18.9 million viewers tuning in for the championship game — a figure that even exceeded the men’s title game. Many of these new fans have stayed engaged, driving up viewership and attendance in the WNBA, particularly for teams featuring recent college stars.

This season, Watkins and Bueckers will take center stage as they lead two top programs. USC’s Watkins, whose smooth, versatile game has captivated audiences, is determined to bring her team back to prominence. Bueckers, known for her on-court savvy and scoring ability, has one last chance to claim a national championship for UConn. The December rematch between the two teams, following last season’s Elite Eight showdown, is set to be a marquee event in women’s college basketball.

A Turning Point for the Sport

Bueckers and Watkins are emerging as stars at a pivotal time for women’s basketball. Following a 2021 investigation into NCAA inequities, the women’s tournament has received more investment and visibility. Media companies like ESPN are paying big for the broadcasting rights, and the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has allowed players like Watkins and Bueckers to break into the mainstream, representing brands like Nike and Gatorade and appearing at major events from Cannes to New York Fashion Week.

In addition to showcasing two elite players, the upcoming USC-UConn game highlights the continued expansion of the sport’s reach. The game will serve as a litmus test for the popularity of women’s basketball, as Watkins and Bueckers drive fan interest and inspire future generations.

What’s Next for Women’s Basketball

As Bueckers and Watkins lead their teams through what promises to be an exciting season, they are also setting the stage for the sport’s future. Coaches like South Carolina’s Dawn Staley have noted how this new wave of talent, visibility, and support is helping women’s basketball “meet the moment.” This season, players like Bueckers and Watkins are expected to deliver memorable performances that will keep fans coming back for more.

“Having these players follow last season’s star power ensures the momentum keeps building,” Auriemma noted. “We need to give all these new people watching something exciting so they’ll come back.”

In a season filled with high expectations, Bueckers and Watkins are primed to keep women’s basketball in the spotlight, captivating audiences and driving the sport’s continued growth. Their journeys — and those of the stars who follow — will shape the future of women’s basketball.

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