Iowa Women’s Basketball Set to Reignite Momentum in Tonight’s Game

Iowa City, IA – The Iowa State women’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial matchup tonight as they aim to break their three-game losing streak. The Hawkeyes will be hosting Oklahoma State at Hilton Coliseum, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

This game holds particular significance for Iowa State, marking their first home game since their impressive victory over No. 7 Baylor on January 13. The anticipated clash against Texas Christian on January 20 was forfeited due to the Horned Frogs’ insufficient player availability, contributing to Iowa State’s recent slide in performance.

The Cyclones, having faced setbacks on the road against Texas Tech, Kansas, and West Virginia, are determined to return to their winning ways on their home court. Their opponent, Oklahoma State, is also facing a three-game losing streak, setting the stage for a highly competitive encounter.

The dynamics of Iowa women’s basketball extend beyond the court, as reflected in the substantial increase in operating revenue during the 2022-23 fiscal year. According to the latest NCAA financial report obtained by The Gazette, Iowa women’s basketball witnessed an impressive 125 percent surge in operating revenue during this period.

Ticket revenue emerged as a key driver of this financial boost, nearly doubling from $767,069 in the 2021-22 season to over $1.4 million in 2022-23. The program also benefited from significant increases in NCAA distribution funding, philanthropic contributions, media rights, sponsorships, and other revenue sources.

The financial success extends to other women’s sports programs at Iowa, with a collective 117 percent jump in revenue from approximately $1.6 million in 2021-22 to $3.4 million in 2022-23. The rise in contributions played a pivotal role, with every women’s team on campus experiencing sport-specific contributions more than doubling, as reported in the NCAA filing.

While the apparent $7.1 million profit in 2022-23 might seem substantial, it’s crucial to consider the impact of capital expenditures, particularly the construction of a new wrestling facility, entirely donor-funded. Philanthropic contributions for this project significantly influenced the total contributions, increasing by $13.4 million in the same fiscal year.

The financial success underscores the growing popularity of women’s basketball at Iowa, further fueled by the standout performances of Caitlin Clark. The senior guard continues to dominate the court, recently breaking the Big 10 scoring record and inching closer to the all-time NCAA women’s scoring record.

Clark’s impact extends beyond the game itself, evident in the unprecedented sellout crowds, record-breaking TV audiences, and the surge in ticket prices for Iowa’s home games. Her influence on the financial front is reflective of her ability to draw fans, turning each game into a spectacle.

As Iowa prepares to face Northwestern tonight, fans are eager to witness Clark’s prowess in action. The game, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in Evanston, Illinois, will be broadcast on Peacock, providing an opportunity for fans worldwide to tune in and witness the Iowa women’s basketball team strive for victory.

In summary, tonight’s game not only holds the promise of on-court excitement but also serves as a testament to the financial and athletic success that Iowa women’s basketball has achieved in recent years. The convergence of competitive prowess and financial growth positions Iowa women’s basketball as a powerhouse in collegiate sports.