Nearly 10 million fans enjoyed NCAA women’s basketball during the 2005-06 season.

Although the overall total of 9,902,850 spectators was down slightly from last season, the national average increased to 752 fans per game, up 12 from 2004-05.

The overall mark is the fourth highest since the NCAA began tracking women’s attendance in 1982. The mark of 10,163,629 in 2002 remains the best since the Association initiated championship competition in the sport 25 years ago.

While the 332 Division I teams continue to dominate the overall total, Divisions II and III both enjoyed record-setting increases in home attendance. The figures, derived from information submitted by conferences and schools in weekly statistical reports, showed the Division III totals at an all-time high of 1,083,328. A boost of nearly 35 per game gave Division II an average of 485 fans at each contest and a record of 1,685,260 in total attendance. Division I also upped home crowds by 181,381, leading to a total of 6,817,063 supporters.

More than 282,300 followers flocked to various sites around the country during the NCAA tournaments. The numbers showed a decrease in Division I (189,329), but an increase at both Division II (45,553) and Division III (47,462). Maryland and Grand Valley State each claimed their first national championships, while Hope won a second title in Division III.

In conference rankings, the Big 12 extended its streak to seven consecutive years at the head of the pack. A total of 971,011 fans turned out for the league’s 195 games and sessions. The Big Ten finished second (770,
304) with an average of 4,697 spectators at each of its 164 games and sessions.

Several conferences enjoyed record-setting years, including the Southeastern (706,640), Metro Atlantic (111,377), Mid-Continent (88,195) and Northeast (60,049). Realignments and new membership also contributed to higher numbers for the Big East (685,656), the Atlantic Coast (543,403) and the Colonial (155,195).

The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association was best in Division II after an increase of more than 10,000 fans from 2004-05. Nine teams combined for a conference total of 185,047 over 126 games and sessions. The North Central Conference was next with 147,745 supporters.

Despite a slight decrease overall from last year, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference reclaimed the top spot in Division III after totaling 50,420 fans during 105 games and sessions. The University Athletic Association increased numbers and had the second-best average of 413 fans at each contest.

In single-team home attendance, Tennessee claimed the No. 1 spot for the ninth time in 10 years. With a total of 214,980 fans over 14 home games, the Lady Volunteers’ average crowd was 15,356. Tennessee also had the top overall attendance, with 365,723 fans showing support at home, away and neutral-site games. Connecticut saw the highest home total with 253,465 spectators visiting the Hartford Civic Center and Gampel Pavilion, while Middle Tennessee enjoyed a huge jump in average, from 695 fans per game in 2004-05 to 2,699 in 2005-06.

Washburn edged 2004-05 leader Emporia State for Division II’s best home attendance. The Lady Blues, coming off a 2005 national championship, averaged 2,764 fans in each of their 18 home games. Northern State ranked second with a total of 43,654 supporters.

Hope claimed Division III’s top spot after enjoying a record 1,329 fans per game. A total of 18,612 turned out to support the Flying Dutch during 14 home contests. Wisconsin-Stout had the next best average of 1,172 after hosting 15,242 fans over 13 games.