Colin Cowherd joined other media voices in expressing frustration after WNBA players ranked Caitlin Clark as the ninth-best guard, despite her record-breaking fan votes for the All-Star Game. Clark’s placement has sparked debate over the evaluation criteria among fans, players, and media for the 2025 WNBA All-Star starters.
Clark earned a spot as an All-Star captain and starter following an unprecedented 1,293,526 fan votes. The All-Star starters were chosen through a vote weighted by fans (50%), WNBA players (25%), and media members (25%). While Clark topped the fan votes and placed third in media votes for guards, the player vote positioned her ninth, a ranking Cowherd strongly disputed.
Speaking on The Herd, Cowherd condemned the players’ ranking, calling for them to respect Clark’s impact and the excitement she has generated in the league.
For years, the WNBA players were pointing fingers. They were saying, ‘People are sexist, the media is sexist, we’re not being promoted, we’re underappreciated.’ And then they get the Golden Goose, and they don’t like what it looks like. Iowa girl, Indiana girl. I’ve said this for years, when the wave hits, ride it. You don’t know what it looks like, don’t fight it.
—Colin Cowherd, Sports Commentator
Cowherd emphasized that Clark’s style and marketability bring value to the WNBA by increasing attendance and viewership, urging players to support rather than resist her success. He noted an analogy from the NFL, where the Los Angeles Rams prioritized younger talent like Puka Nacua over established stars like Cooper Kupp.
Although suggesting race may play a role in Clark’s low ranking by players, Cowherd stressed that the WNBA athletes should embrace Clark’s contributions rather than reject them.
The WNBA players, they just don’t like what the wave looks like,
Cowherd said. They wanted to fly private. They wanted to be more popular. They wanted a better deal in the CBA – which they’ll get. They wanted sold-out arenas. They got it. They just don’t necessarily think it should be this. But again, you can’t fight it. You just never know what success looks like.
Overview of 2025 WNBA All-Star Starters
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters were announced, featuring Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier as captains. The guard lineup includes Clark, Paige Bueckers, Allisha Gray, and Sabrina Ionescu. The frontcourt consists of Collier, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Satou Sabally.
Following the selection of reserves, Clark and Collier will draft their respective teams on July 8, ahead of the All-Star Game.
The event is scheduled for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will be broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+ starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Implications of Clark’s All-Star Ranking Controversy
The dispute over Caitlin Clark’s WNBA All-Star ranking highlights ongoing tension between players’ perceptions and fan enthusiasm in professional basketball. Clark’s exceptional popularity and record-breaking fan support underscore her rising influence within the league. However, the disconnect in player voting raises questions about unity and recognition among peers.
This controversy may deepen conversations within the WNBA regarding player relations, public image, and how emerging stars are embraced. Clark’s growing appeal is undeniably affecting attendance and viewership positively, elements crucial for the league’s expansion and commercial success.
Looking ahead, the 2025 All-Star Game will serve as a stage to further spotlight Clark’s talent and popularity, while also providing an opportunity for players, media, and fans to reconcile differing opinions about her role and ranking in the league.