Millions of viewers tuned in to watch the women’s basketball giants UConn and South Carolina showcase their prowess in the Final Four on Friday. The following day, audiences were treated to the men’s thrilling matchups, with Houston and Florida pulling off shock victories.
The possibility of hosting these major basketball events concurrently has been discussed, according to Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman. With the rapid expansion of women’s basketball, Ackerman argues that aligning the men’s and women’s Final Fours is more feasible now than ever before.
Despite opposition from some quarters, Ackerman insists on the potential for combined events to drive significant growth and revenue. She suggests that by scheduling the men’s and women’s semifinals and finals in the same city over the same weekend, the NCAA could inspire extensive interest and economic benefits. However, such a change couldn’t be implemented before 2032 due to current site commitments running through 2031.
NCAA President Charlie Baker is not entirely against the idea but points out logistical challenges, mainly in finding suitable venues to accommodate both events simultaneously.
The prospect of merging the tournaments was also a recommendation following a report on gender disparities across the NCAA’s events in 2021. This initiative arose from earlier criticisms about inequalities in amenities at the men’s and women’s tournament sites.
Ackerman has been advocating for combined events for over a decade and even penned a paper in 2013 with suggestions to reduce disparities, one being the joint Final Fours. She highlights how having disparate sites often forces officials to choose between tournaments, typically leading them to favor men’s games due to ancillary and sponsorship activities.
Some experts believe the merge could be financially beneficial. Ed Desser, who contributed to the gender equity analysis, states that combining the events allows for shared resources and increased revenue opportunities, especially as women’s basketball steadily gains in popularity and support.
Las Vegas is highlighted as a potential host for the joint event, being currently the home to several major sports teams and events. While concerns persist about the men’s events overshadowing the women’s, the growing fanbase for women’s basketball could counterbalance those fears.
Recent statistics support this notion, as last year’s women’s NCAA championship audience surpassed that of the men’s final, drawing an impressive 18.9 million viewers. Although ratings saw a slight decline this year, interest remained strong due to significant names and exciting matchups.
While basketball enthusiasts like Florida’s Todd Golden are excited about merging the events, expressing enthusiasm for the prospect of fans from both sides coming together, not all share this sentiment. Some coaches, like UConn’s Geno Auriemma, have expressed dissatisfaction with current tournament formats that compromise the experience for players and fans.
The NCAA’s current Super Regional format aims to enhance attendance and player experience, aligning with Ackerman’s larger vision. According to Baker, this format has successfully boosted attendance dramatically in recent years.
Ultimately, the NCAA is expected to analyze the outcomes of the recent tournaments and gather feedback to inform future decisions. Finding a balance that enhances the experience for all involved continues to be a primary goal.