Dawn Staley: 'Women's basketball was being held back intentionally'

Women’s basketball has never been in a better spot and the numbers show. Records were broken throughout the NCAA Tournament, with the latest occurring on Sunday during the national championship between South Carolina and Iowa. Dawn Staley completed an undefeated season and added another national title to her resume, with nearly 19 million people watching.

As the sport thrives, Staley theorizes that women’s college basketball was being “held back intentionally” in previous years. Ratings and popularity have skyrocketed ever since watching games has become more accessible, something people are asking for.

“I think women’s basketball was being held back intentionally,” Staley said on TBS ahead of Monday night’s men’s national championship. “For one reason or the other. We are bursting at the seams with talent. Young talent, great coaching, great players. People want access to our game.”

The access was plenty during the NCAA Tournament and ESPN reaped the benefits. Iowa’s Final Four win against UConn was ESPN’s second-most viewed non-football event, only trailing the 2014 World Cup game between the United States and Portugal.

Being on the level of a World Cup never would have been imaginable for women’s college basketball, even a couple of years ago. Staley believes it was done intentionally but the stars are finally shining through.

Dawn Staley watching more women’s CBB than ever

Even Staley, who has been coaching for over two decades, has been able to watch more games than ever before. Whether seeing SEC foes on ESPN/SEC Network or watching Caitlin Clark and the Big Ten on various FOX networks — there has never been access like this to the women’s game.

“I’ve watched more women’s basketball games this year than any other year,” Staley said. “This is my 24th year coaching, I had access. I picked and chose what network, what streaming device. And sometimes, I had two and three devices in front of me because I wanted to tune into a lot of games.

“Now, we’re in full demand and everybody else around the country wants to see women’s basketball. The decision-makers are making the right decision. I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”

Staley is just like the rest of us, wanting to watch as many games as possible at one time. Of course, South Carolina is her main priority but more than anything, she’s a fan of the game. Being able to watch stars across the country is something Staley enjoyed this season.