Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Star-Studded Women’s Final Four Matchup Could Set Ratings Record

  • The women’s Final Four will feature the most anticipated matchup of the season in South Carolina and Iowa.
  • The game could easily set a record for the most-watched women’s semi-final in the past decade.
South Carolina advances to third straight Final Four.
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The women’s Final Four in Dallas will feature the most anticipated matchup of the season: the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The game could easily set a record for the most-watched women’s semifinal in the past decade — and top the 2013 Notre Dame-UConn matchup that drew three million viewers.

It will be a showdown between the best defensive and offensive programs that women’s college basketball offers. 

  • South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston has a resume that’s too long to list — but highlights include the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and multiple overall Player of the Year accolades.
  • Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is a Naismith Player of the Year finalist and the first men’s or women’s player to post a 40-point triple-double in the NCAA tournament.

Another factor: a trend of skyrocketing ratings during recent Final Fours, no matter the matchup. 

LSU and Virginia Tech, which makes its first appearance, will battle in the other semifinal on Friday.

Undervalued NIL Power?

Neither Clark nor Boston cracks the top 10 in estimated earning potential, according to On3. Clark ranks 12th at $160,000, while Boston ranks 15th with a potential of $104,000.

Those are just estimates, though. So far, Clark has inked multiple deals — most notably her partnership with Nike. Boston has a unique deal with Under Armour and at least 11 other deals with companies like Orangetheory.

Both players were featured in a Buick campaign highlighting women’s sports.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to an intercept by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Oxford Bulking Up Police Presence for Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss coach Pete Golden asked fans to be rowdy but respectful.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (8) reacts to a missed interception during the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23.

How the 12-Team CFP Is Treating Ohio State and Oregon Differently

Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s and Oregon’s playoff odds took significant hits.

Texas Tops AP Poll As SEC Asserts Early Dominance Over Big Ten

The Longhorns topped the latest poll after their dramatic comeback win.

Revamped McAfee Kicking Contest Pays First Winner $1.2M

The contest has entered its fourth season on College GameDay.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/29/26 – Giants Land McCarthy, MLB Wild Card Begins, LeBron’s Knicks Dream

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Sep 11, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz on the sidelines against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Missouri Coach Blasts Kansas for ‘Bullcrap’ Rivalry Video

After a controversial X post, Missouri beat Kansas 38–21 in Lawrence.
Sep 10, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Javian Mallory (21) carries the ball while defended by Florida A&M Rattlers defensive back Andre Powell Jr. (7) in the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
September 11, 2026

Florida A&M Made $760K to Lose by 70 Points to Miami

Miami led the game 77–0 before a shortened fourth quarter.
First at FOS
September 12, 2026

Deion Sanders, Nick Saban Weren’t Paid for Ads Lobbying Congress

The pair participated to promote the Protect College Sports Act.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Nov 8, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
September 11, 2026

NIL Got Kirby Smart to Give In on All-White Uniforms

Georgia will debut the look vs. Western Kentucky on Saturday.
September 10, 2026

SEC-LSU Cold War Thaws, but LSU Could Still Face Sanctions

The SEC had been scheduled to vote on LSU’s expulsion.
September 10, 2026

Player Who Left LSU Over Russian Teammate Gets Transfer Waiver

Kate Koval is now in the transfer portal.
September 9, 2026

Where Do Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris Go Now?

The pair may be in football limbo.