Caitlin Clark, a standout player for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, has significantly impacted women’s basketball, breaking viewership and attendance records in both college and professional leagues. Her influence has accelerated the growth of the WNBA, with record demand for tickets ahead of her sophomore season. Clark’s remarkable performance during the NCAA national title game and the WNBA draft showcased her appeal, overshadowing other stars like Paige Bueckers. Despite her achievements, Time Magazine controversially omitted Clark from its 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People, a decision criticized by analyst Colin Cowherd. He argued that her contributions to the WNBA and women’s sports overall were monumental, comparing her influence to that of Tiger Woods in golf and Michael Jordan in basketball. Cowherd expressed disbelief that Clark was overlooked while other athletes, like Super Bowl winner Jaylen Hurts, made the list. He emphasized that Clark has revitalized interest in the WNBA, transforming it from a subsidized league into a sport that fans actively follow. Although Time included other players, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, for their roles in establishing the Unrivaled League, Cowherd felt Clark’s exclusion was a significant oversight.
