WFAN host Craig Carton is drawing attention after candidly explaining why he skipped the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament during a recent edition of his The Craig Carton Show on SportsGrid.
Carton acknowledged he did not watch any portion of the tournament. He framed that admission as part of a broader issue surrounding the sport’s place in a crowded calendar. According to Carton, the biggest storyline from the weekend centered on behavior of Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley rather than the women’s title game itself.
“What’s sad about that. For me to come in here today and tell you that the number one story in sports this weekend has nothing at all to do with who won the championship game. It has everything to do with what the biggest name in the sport, how he acted after losing. That tells you a lot about, sadly, where the women’s game is for a lot of us,” said Carton.
That perspective led him to suggest the women’s tournament still has ground to gain with some viewers. He argued that his own viewing habits reflect how many fans prioritize events when multiple high-profile competitions overlap.
Carton also addressed Dawn Staley directly. He praised her while apologizing for not tuning in. At the same time, he offered a scheduling suggestion.
“Matter of fact, if I could give you guys some advice. I think the women’s tournament should come after the men’s tournament, and not at the same time,” said Carton. “I got too much going on and can’t watch it.”
Carton also acknowledged a personal factor. He said he does not regularly follow women’s sports, though he expressed respect for prominent figures within the game. Even so, he admitted that family time and other sports interests took priority.
“I’m not into women’s sports that much,” explained Carton. “Baseball’s already started. The men are playing. I got the NBA in the final weekend after that season. It’s just too much going on for me to tell my wife and family, nah, daddy’s got to watch women play basketball.”
In recent years, women’s college basketball has seen a surge in visibility and ratings. Star power, improved coverage and competitive games have helped elevate interest. That momentum has led many to view the tournament as a premier event in its own right.
Carton’s remarks highlight a tension that continues to exist. While the sport has made significant strides, it still competes for attention in an increasingly saturated environment. His suggestion about scheduling reflects one possible solution, though it is far from universally accepted.
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