That's interesting. I didn't realize the ratings were so strong for it. Personally,I could never get into soccer. I don't know if it speaks to the long-term viability of soccer viewing within the US or view of women's sports. I don't much about the WNBA but my instinct is: all these years later and its yet to find a niche. However, I do think overall soccer is catching on. We have some local team here that some friends have season tickets for.
[–] Spacehuman 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
Let's not lie. Non stop competitive action? Sure. "highest level"??? Objectively speaking it's not close to high level.
For perspective, nearly any high school boys varsity team would demolish the best women's national teams.
[–] Nationalist 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
This is so true. Meanwhile every other forum I've seen some people go on and on about how the women play better and you'll get downvoted/flamed to hell if you correct them.
[–] ltmyndonos 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
As a huge hockey fan, I'm slightly saddened by this. Carli's tweet of Lets go Flyers cured me.
[–] Carinae 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Hockey fan also, and it is kind of sad. But you figure a large portion of hockey's fan base is in Canada also, and this is just talking about America. That will skew the numbers quite a bit. On the bigger picture of it, I think it has to do with the fact its a one time event, which we were good at, and people didn't have to invest more than one night into "caring" about it. Even if it's only mildly interesting if your nation is going to win a world event you'll probably watch, look at the Olympics.
[–] refugee610 ago
I can't say I'm surprised. Hockey has a small-but-dedicated fanbase and the NBA has been bleeding viewers for years as it gets more and more "pansified".
What's interesting is that it was also the most-watched soccer match in US TV history. My guess is that we in the US prefer women's to men's soccer because in soccer the women are tougher and don't flop around pretending to be hurt.
[–] cessna182er ago
To be fair it was a great game, and the US Womens soccer team is consistently good (they've placed in the top 3 in every world cup since its inauguration). I'd like to be optimistic and say this is due to huge American support of women's sports, but to be honest I think we just enjoy Americans beating other countries at anything :) Not that that's a bad thing; I for one found the game tremendously entertaining.
[–] HomerSimpson 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago
It helps that apparently America is the only country driving Women's Soccer.
[–] Vatras 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
What's the logic here? Only Americans watch Women's Soccer, how does that help it being more watched than the NBA or Stanley Cup?