The Gamecocks were considered a heavy favorite to repeat as champions. But Clark and the Hawkeyes delivered, all the way to the championship game against Louisiana State.
With stars, story lines and skill, the TV rights for the women’s Division I basketball tournament could be worth over $80 million, part of a larger wave of investors flocking to women’s sports.
The N.C.A.A. has begun putting in place recommendations from a report on the disparities between men’s and women’s basketball. But there are differing assessments for a path forward.
Maryland led after a quarter, but the Gamecocks wore down the Terrapins with their swarming defense. South Carolina will face Iowa in a national semifinal.