Women's March Madness 2025: 9 NCAA Players to Know About, From Paige Bueckers to JuJu Watkins

Women's March Madness 2025: 9 NCAA Players to Know About, From Paige Bueckers to JuJu Watkins

  • 23.03.2025 01:42
  • glamour.com
  • Keywords: Women's March Madness, NCAA

Women's March Madness 2025 showcases top college basketball stars like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins, with intense rivalries and record-breaking performances as players compete for glory in their final season.

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Context

Analysis of Women's March Madness 2025: Business Insights and Market Implications

Key Players and Their Impact

  • Paige Bueckers (UConn Huskies)

    • Averages 19 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
    • Expected to be the top WNBA draft pick in 2025.
    • Sponsors include Nike and Gatorade; partial owner of the 3x3 Unrivaled league.

  • JuJu Watkins (USC Trojans)

    • Averages 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
    • ESPY Award winner for Best Female Athlete in College Basketball.
    • Potential rematch with UConn in Elite Eight could drive viewership.

  • Flau'jae Johnson (LSU Lady Tigers)

    • Averages 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
    • Daughter of late rapper Camoflauge; hosts a podcast (Best of Both Worlds).
    • Balances basketball with rap career, positioning her as a unique brand.

  • Aneesah Morrow (LSU Tigers)

    • Leads Division I in rebounds and double-doubles (100th career double-double achieved).
    • USA Today All-SEC Player of the Year; injury concerns ahead of March Madness.

  • Hailey Van Lith (TCU Horned Frogs)

    • Averages 17.9 points and 5.3 assists per game.
    • Olympic bronze medalist in 3x3 basketball; WNBA draft candidate.

  • Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)

    • Averages 24.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game.
    • One of the youngest players to earn All-America honors twice.

  • Olivia Miles (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)

    • Averages 16.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.
    • Tied Alyssa Thomas' college record for six triple-doubles in a career.

  • Sedona Prince (TCU Horned Frogs)

    • Averages 17.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
    • Subject of multiple allegations; her legal issues could impact WNBA prospects.

  • Chloe Kitts (South Carolina Gamecocks)

    • Averages 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
    • Part of a reigning championship team; active on social media with fellow player Collin Murray-Boyles.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • Rising Star Power: Players like Bueckers, Watkins, and Johnson are leveraging their fame beyond basketball through endorsements, podcasts, and social media.

    • Example: Flau'jae Johnson's podcast (Best of Both Worlds) positions her as a multi-faceted brand.

  • WNBA Draft Preparations: Top players like Bueckers, Watkins, and Van Lith are generating buzz for the 2025 WNBA draft, potentially driving media coverage and sponsorships.

    • Note: ESPN ranked Miles in their #2 spot for the WNBA mock draft.

  • March Madness viewership: Last year's record-breaking game between Iowa and LSU highlights the growing appeal of women's college basketball.

    • Potential rematch: A USC vs. UConn Elite Eight clash could attract significant viewership, boosting media deals and sponsorships.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Head-to-Head Rivalries: The absence of a Bueckers-Watkins championship matchup is a missed opportunity for drama but underscores the strength of other teams like LSU and Notre Dame.

    • Key teams: USC, UConn, LSU, and Notre Dame are expected to dominate this year's tournament.

  • Team Branding: Teams like South Carolina (reigning champions) and TCU (first conference tournament victory in 18 years) are leveraging their success for recruitment and fundraising.

Strategic Considerations

  • Player Recruitment and Retention: Star players like Bueckers staying for a fifth year or Johnson balancing sports with music could influence team strategies and fan engagement.

    • Example: LSU's focus on developing dual-brand athletes (e.g., Flau'jae Johnson) could attract top recruits.

  • Social Media Influence: Players leveraging platforms to engage fans (e.g., Chloe Kitts' posts with Collin Murray-Boyles) can enhance team and league visibility.

Long-Term Effects

  • WNBA Pipeline Growth: The success of these players in March Madness could increase interest in the WNBA, potentially boosting viewership and sponsorships for both college and professional leagues.

    • Impact: More media coverage and marketing deals for women's basketball.

  • Regulatory Implications: NCAA rules on NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) may further impact player branding opportunities, requiring teams to adapt their recruitment strategies.

Conclusion

The 2025 Women's March Madness features a mix of established stars and rising talents with significant business potential. Players like Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins are driving media attention and draft buzz, while others like Flau'jae Johnson and Sedona Prince highlight the broader cultural and regulatory implications of women's college basketball. The tournament's success will depend on leveraging these star players' appeal to attract fans, sponsors, and media coverage.