Even though name, image, and likeness deals have changed the landscape of college athletics, the Hawkeye faithful didn't need more reasons to support the women's basketball program.
Before the 2025-2026 women's college basketball season, it was revealed that for the third straight season, season tickets for Iowa women's basketball games sold out. Superstar Caitlin Clark was a massive draw for the program during her time in Iowa City, but even without her, the program continues to receive overwhelming support from fans.
The trend continued throughout the season, and even though Iowa's NCAA Tournament run ended sooner than fans wanted, the support never trailed off.
Iowa WBB was the top-selling sports program for NIL merchandise
The Hawkeyes have one of the best fan bases in the country for women's basketball, and that was proven during the regular season. According to the Nielsen ratings, Iowa was one of the most-watched teams all season, with the fans going above and beyond to support the Hawkeyes.
The fans not only watched the Hawkeyes, they spent tons of money on merchandise that filled the NIL pool.
The year’s Top-Selling Women’s Sports Programs across all NIL Store merchandise, according to NIL Store:
— E J 🏀 (@EJayArrow) June 12, 2026
1. Iowa WBB
2. LSU WBB
3. Nebraska VB
4. UCLA WBB
5. UConn WBB
According to women's basketball analyst and scout EJ Arrow, Iowa women's basketball topped the list of the top-selling women's sports programs across all NIL store merchandise. The website for the NIL store states it is the "leading licensed merchandising platform" that helps millions of athletes take full advantage of their brand, and fans are taking advantage of a great opportunity.
All funds go directly to the athletes who are featured on the site, creating a path for fans to spend as much as they want on their favorite programs and athletes. Iowa's page is currently full of great merchandise with athletes like Bennett Stirtz and Hannah Stuelke trending. The overwhelming support for the program is great to see, and with multiple new avenues for fans to support their favorite programs and athletes, Iowa's support can only grow.
Jan Jensen and the coaching staff had the difficult task of rebuilding the roster with only five returning players from last season, but even with all the roster uncertainty, one thing that is certain: Iowa's support from the fans.
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