The article discusses the crucial role of start times for championship games in maximizing viewership. Big events like the Women's Final Four have shown a significant rise in audience numbers, particularly with Caitlin Clark's impact on the women's game. The shift of the championship game's broadcast to ABC helped achieve record viewership, but the article argues that airing at 3 p.m. ET could potentially leave more audience untapped compared to prime time slots favored by other major sports events.
The role gave me a window into the sport, and I could see the potential for an economic rocket shot as the players got more skilled and athletic.
Last year, the South Carolina-Iowa title game drew an astonishing 18.9 million viewers on ABC and peaked at 24.1 million.
Television programmers have historically scheduled mega-events in prime time because that’s where the viewers are.
The last two title games tipped off at 3 p.m. ET, leaving audience attention on the table by not airing in prime time.
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