Like it or hate it, Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been undeniable. Since getting drafted in the league in 2024, she drove the league’s television viewership by phenomenal numbers. Such was Clark’s impact, the Wall Street Journal proclaimed her as the “GOAT of TV Ratings.”
Analyst Colin Cowherd echoes this statement even louder by comparing Clark’s impact in the WNBA to golf legend Tiger Woods’ for the PGA Tour. In the latest episode of ‘The Herd’, he highlighted how the WNBA All-Star game’s ratings were impacted since Caitlin Clark’s arrival. Cowherd said:
“If Caitlin Clark plays in the All-Star Game, it will set records. But now, because of her popularity, even if she doesn’t, it will break records and be the second highest ever—only beaten by the time she played in it. ” (0:37)
One of the issues that Cowherd highlighted was how the WNBA players were not paid enough in the league. In the All-Star game this season, the players made a statement by wearing statements which said “Pay Us, You Owe Us.” To this, Cowherd added:
“And that matters. That’s why the women—despite you guys not liking the t-shirts they wore, “Pay Us, You Owe Us” —that’s why the women have the leverage. This is what Tiger Woods did to the PGA Tour.”
Tiger Woods was the first Black golfer in the PGA Tour and by far, one of the greatest ones. Comparing the same, Cowherd implied how Clark’s impact is same as Woods, who was able to raise the PGA Tour’s ratings and earnings by a huge percentage.
The impact of Caitlin Clark’s absence was immense. The All-Star game drew 2.19 million viewers, down 1.25 million viewers compared to last year, However, it still had the second-highest viewership in the event’s nearly 30-year history.
Caitlin Clark withdrew from the All-Star game due to an injury
Caitlin Clark was ruled out of the WNBA All-Star game due to a groin injury. She did not participate in either of the 3-point competition or the main All-Star game. She was also scheduled to be leading the team.
Releasing a statement for the same on her Instagram page, Clark said:
“I’m so excited for indy to host WNBA All-star this weekend. i want to thank the indianapolis host committee and all of the people that have put endless work in over the past year to put this event together. i know this will be the best all-star yet.”
View this post on Instagram
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
