CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The data shows interest in women's sports is growing. 

What You Need To Know

  •  This year's NCAA women's basketball tournament broke viewership records 

  •  A University of Florida basketball player says she's happy to see increasing support for women's athletics 

  •  The Florida guard feels there's still potential to attract a wider audience 

According to ESPN, the 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship brought in almost 10 million viewers, making it the most viewed women's college basketball game on record. 

It was the most viewed college basketball game for men's or women's teams on ESPN platforms.  

The Ally ACC Women's Basketball Tournament in Greensboro also drew in large crowds, with over 62,000 fans, making it the highest-attended tournament since 2010. 

North Carolina sports fans are showing their support for women's athletics during the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte. 

The two-day competition showcases both men's and women's teams. 

Paige Clausen is a guard for the University of Florida Gators. 

She says it was a dream come true to be playing for the team. 

"I just love the team atmosphere," Clausen said. "I think it's a really positive environment where everyone uplifts each other. For me, it was my dream to play at this school, so it's just a really amazing experience."

Clausen says it's important for people to support events like the Jumpman Invitational, which is spotlighting women in sports. 

Putting the women's teams on the same tier as the men's is another step forward for sports, but Clausen says overall support for women in sports could still be better. 

"For us, I feel like we deserve to be supported a lot more than we are," she said. "We put in the work. A lot of times in the stands we would hope to see a lot more fans. Our team is really fun to play and I know my friends that come to the game say we're a super fun team to watch. So I would love for more people to come support our team and women's sports in general." 

Clausen says the wins for women's athletics are encouraging. 

"I think it's amazing," Clausen said. "I think we're starting to get support that we really have been working hard for. I think in the future it's going to continue to grow. I'm super excited for what's to come."