Why Women's Sports is Great Reality Television

Whether it's Spain winning the 2023 World Cup in spite of their villainous head coach or wondering what kind of bedazzled outfit Kim Mulkey could possibly wear next, women’s sports deliver some of the best reality television moments you can find today. Let’s dive into why:

Who could forget the dramatic showdown between LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in the 2023 Women’s March Madness championship? Although both claim there’s no bad blood, the world yearns for a rematch in March to reignite this dynamic. Not to mention, a fan almost took out Clark while storming the court a few weeks ago… don’t they know it’s too early to write off the fan favorite this season?! Juju Watkins of USC and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame have also taken women’s college basketball to new heights -- but *spoiler alert*: they’re only freshmen, already causing problems, and aren't leaving anytime soon. Buckle up.?

And what’s gripping reality television without a dose of relationship drama? Shortly after Gotham FC defender, Ali Krieger, announced her retirement following the 2023 NWSL season, news leaked that Ashlyn Harris, her former USWNT teammate, filed a divorce against her following their long-term relationship. How did Ali respond to the media frenzy about her personal life? By leading her No. 6 ranked team to an unlikely NWSL championship during her farewell tour. No wonder Nike submitted this season to the Golden Globes for “best television drama.”

The USWNT roster also kept everyone on their toes leading up to soccer’s pinnacle event: the World Cup. After winning back-to-back World Cup titles, all eyes were on the team as they chased the elusive three-peat in 2023. But an epidemic of lower body injuries rampant in women’s professional soccer kept key players out of roster contention, thrusting many younger players into their first major tournament. Imagine going into the season finale and bringing on an entirely new cast -- that’s what the USWNT was experiencing in July. And people had plenty to say about it.?

One of those people being Carli Lloyd, a former USWNT player turned analyst for the 2023 World Cup. Lloyd dissed her former teammates early in tournament play, criticizing their regression from the championship mentality that once propelled them to victory. She mimics the ruthless reality television hosts who are unafraid to rip apart their contestants. No shame in throwing shade.

The competitive nature of both reality television and sports makes alliances paramount. Getting the best people on your team not only makes you stronger, but intimidates your competition. Women’s sports has entered its superteam era, with teams such as the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty stacking their rosters with the most dominant talent the league offers. It’s like having “The Rock” as an ally on Survivor, Maddie in your group number on Dance Moms, or Bobby Flay as your sous-chef in Hell's Kitchen.?

And just like in any compelling drama, there are record-breaking highs and heart-breaking lows. Nebraska volleyball encapsulated all these emotions in a singular season: after shattering the record for the most attended women’s sporting event with 92,003 spectators, the Cornhuskers were title favorites before Texas shockingly robbed them of the national championship at the last minute. It truly isn’t over until it’s over.?

The best part? Most of this drama unfolds in the U.S. alone. The international spin-offs are just as wild, and the crossover episodes?! Absolutely unreal.

So, next time you need to fulfill your guilty pleasure of watching reality television, just tune into a women's sporting event. I promise you, it will not disappoint.