Media personality Colin Cowherd linked Caitlin Clark ’s influence in the WNBA to Tiger Woods’ impact on professional golf—especially regarding leverage in negotiations.
“Even without Caitlin Clark, it was the second‑highest rated WNBA All‑Star ever. Two things are clear: if Caitlin Clark plays in the All‑Star Game, it will set records. But now, because of her popularity, even if she doesn’t play, it will break records and be the second‑highest ever… That’s why the women – despite you not liking the ‘Pay us what you owe us’ shirts have leverage. This is what Tiger Woods did to the PGA Tour.” Cowherd explained. “That matters. Tiger made the most money, but he raised the purses in all tournaments, made a lot of people rich. That was the key.”
Clark didn’t play in the All‑Star Game due to injury, yet viewership remained sky‑high—proof of her draw. Cowherd highlighted this trend: historically, Tiger Woods’ fame pulled attention—and revenue—for everyone in golf. He argues Clark is doing the same for the WNBA.
Off the court, Clark has become central to a broader conversation on WNBA labor rights. During the All‑Star Weekend, players wore “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts to push for better pay and revenue sharing. Clark’s star power heightened the message.
Feb 2, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Former Iowa Hawkeyes player Caitlin Clark talks with the media before the game against the USC Trojans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes will be retiring the jersey of Clark after the game. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Clark’s business impact is real: she sparked a surge in attendance, national TV ratings, and merchandise sales. Analysts now call it the “Caitlin Clark effect.” Her popularity is reshaping the league—and forcing stakeholders to listen.
While negotiations continue, Cowherd’s comparison reinforces Clark’s role—not as a counterpart, but as a catalyst. Her ability to drive ratings and strengthen the WNBA’s profile places her at the center of its push for financial justice. Her influence isn’t just symbolic—it’s becoming leverage.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact Echoes Tiger Woods as Wage Talks Heat Up
Caitlin Clark is no doubt turning heads and has been one of the most recent reasons for a rise in viewership. And Colin Cowherd believes that she could be one of the very factors that can affect the WNBA’s ongoing talks about wages.
During The Herd, he noted that Clark’s popularity ensures record ratings—even when she sits out. That echoes how Tiger Woods dominated golf not just by winning, but by making the whole sport more valuable.
Apr 1, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up before the game against the LSU Lady Tigers in the finals of the Albany Regional in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The WNBA is still in a fight for their players and stakeholders. Players wore “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts during All‑Star Weekend—a protest amplified by Clark’s public presence, even if she didn’t take the court.
The league’s key metrics, attendance, media contracts, jersey sales, have skyrocketed in part due to Clark’s influence. Cowherd said Tiger Woods changed golf’s payout structure; now Clark might be doing the same for women’s basketball.
Her role is bigger than her stats. In Clark’s absence, conversations about player value and pay are louder than ever, and she continues to hold the mic.
