Caitlin Clark and Iowa put on a show for fans watching at home against UConn and viewership numbers reflected it.

Friday’s Final Four matchup between Iowa and UConn was the most-watched basketball game ever on ESPN, according to an announcement from the network. The World Wide Leader says the game averaged a record-breaking 14.2 million viewers. The broadcast peaked at 17 million viewers per the press release.

The announcement also says this game was the second-most watched non-football game in the history of ESPN.

Clark has brought the attention of plenty of fans this season already. Iowa’s win over LSU in the Elite Eight also broke viewership records for the sport. Clark and her team didn’t let that record stand for too long before breaking it again.

Before that, Iowa-Holy Cross shattered the record for the most-watched first round game. The number of fans that tuned in to watch that game was 3.2 million.

The Final Four was the 1st time in the NCAA Tournament that Clark wasn’t the leading scorer for the Hawkeyes. Clark has been on an absolute tear, averaging 30 points per game during the NCAA Tournament. Hannah Stuelke led the way with 23 points against the Huskies.

It all comes down to this

There is a real treat on Sunday for fans as South Carolina will try to stop Clark from winning the national title. The Gamecocks are also pursuing some history, trying to become 1 of 5 programs in women’s college basketball history to achieve an undefeated season. South Carolina would join the likes of Baylor, Tennessee, Texas and UConn as the only programs to not lose in a season.

Iowa beat South Carolina in the Final Four last season to clinch a spot in the national championship game. That was also South Carolina’s only loss in 2022-23, meaning the Gamecocks have won 79 of their last 80 games overall.

Clark broke the all-time NCAA Division 1 scoring record for men’s and women’s and became Iowa’s leading scorer this season along with many others. The one thing that she doesn’t have on her resume in a national championship ring. The stage is set for what should be another thrilling game in March for Clark and Iowa.

The Hawkeyes and Gamecocks will be meeting at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland for the chance to take home the crown. Clark and Staley will add another chapter to the rivalry on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET via ABC.