Caitlin Clark’s transformative impact on WNBA ratings became evident when she missed five games due to injury, resulting in a noticeable decline in ticket sales and national television ratings dropping by half over a two-week span. Colin Cowherd highlighted the league’s failure to properly recognize her influence, drawing parallels between Clark’s effect on the WNBA and the major impacts of Taylor Swift and Beyonce in the music industry.
On a recent episode of Fox Sports’ The Herd, Cowherd, alongside sports analyst Nick Wright, discussed Clark’s star power. Wright positioned the Indiana Fever guard as the fourth most popular basketball player, trailing only LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. Cowherd emphasized that the WNBA should be able to celebrate Clark’s prominence without diminishing other stars like Angel Reese.
How Cowherd Compares Clark’s Impact to Icons Across Different Fields
Cowherd illustrated his perspective by comparing Clark’s influence to that of globally recognized figures in other domains. He noted that appreciating Taylor Swift’s economic impact on touring does not undermine Beyonce’s success, just as recognizing Angel Reese’s importance does not detract from Clark’s transformative effect on the WNBA’s viewership and financial growth. Cowherd also likened Clark to Tiger Woods, who single-handedly drove PGA Tour ratings in the 2000s.
“It’s not anti-Beyonce to say that Taylor Swift’s tour changed the economy,” Cowherd said. “It is not anti-Angel Reese of the WNBA to acknowledge she’s the Tiger (Woods) 20 years ago on the (PGA) tour, like the ratings disappear. It’s nothing against the WNBA. She literally is changing the entire league economy, and I don’t think that’s a knock on the league.”
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Commentator
Cowherd urged the WNBA to better promote Caitlin Clark without alienating other players, emphasizing the goal of growing the league’s visibility and revenue by focusing on the star who currently drives the most attention.
Caitlin Clark’s Return and Remarkable Performance Impresses WNBA Legend
Clark returned to the court after her injury in a matchup against the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty, delivering an extraordinary display. She scored 25 of her 32 points in the first half, including seven three-pointers, with a stretch of three quick threes within a minute.
Rebecca Lobo, a WNBA legend and ESPN analyst, expressed astonishment at Clark’s shooting during the game on First Take. Lobo remarked on an extraordinary sequence of rapid three-point shots, stating:
“I’m sitting there at the end of the first quarter when she had that 38-second stretch where she drained deep three after deep three after deep three,” Lobo said. “I was just sitting there thinking, I’ve been around this league since 1997. I have never seen that in a WNBA game.”
—Rebecca Lobo, WNBA Legend and Analyst
With Clark fully healthy, the Indiana Fever are now considered strong contenders for a WNBA championship, buoyed by the guard’s electrifying presence and scoring ability.
Implications for the WNBA’s Growth and Future Marketing Strategies
Clark’s return to form and the impact she has on both the league’s ratings and fan engagement signals a crucial moment for the WNBA. The league faces an opportunity to capitalize on her popularity to expand its national reach and financial stability. Colin Cowherd’s remarks underscore the necessity for the WNBA to actively market Clark’s star power, which could attract greater attention from broader audiences while still respecting other players.
As Caitlin Clark continues to elevate the Indiana Fever and the league’s profile, how the WNBA channels this momentum in upcoming seasons will likely affect its overall growth and media presence.