Yardbarker
x
'She’s Essentially Sun At The Beach': Caitlin Clark’s Absence Proves Her Impact Similar To Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Says Colin Cowherd
Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) signs autographs before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

'She’s Essentially Sun At The Beach': Caitlin Clark’s Absence Proves Her Impact Similar To Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Says Colin Cowherd

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics  |  By Dan Agulto  |  Last updated Jun 13, 2025 8:01 AM ET

Caitlin Clark has been out for more than two weeks following May 24’s game against the New York Liberty, causing a drastic change in the WNBA’s viewership. Following the effect without Clark on the court, host Colin Cowherd made a striking comparison with the Indiana Fever star.

After Clark was sidelined due to her left quad injury, WNBA TV ratings dropped by a staggering 55.5%, with the Fever’s games down by 53%, coming from a 1.8 million average viewership to just 847k.

Speaking on Thursday’s “The Herd,” Cowherd weighed in on Caitlin Clark’s effect in the WNBA, recalling how the NBA also faced a massive loss in viewership after legend Michael Jordan retired in the 2000s.

“This is not Fever games just down. This is league [TV] ratings since she got hurt, down 55%. She is essentially the sun at the beach. If she’s out, nobody else is. … 55%. You know what that is? That’s Jordan leaving the NBA. Jordan left the NBA, they lost 50% of their numbers.”

“This is kind of unprecedented territory… generally, there is production behind popularity, to some degree. And Caitlin is great. But like, it’s time to get over the angst. She has changed the league.

Cowherd previously talked about Caitlin Clark’s popularity last May, comparing her unprecedented rise to golf icon Tiger Woods.

“Merchandise sales went up 500%,” Cowherd added. “The valuation of the team, an awful team that had the No. 1 pick, went from $90 million to $340 million. I think her only comp is Tiger Woods. I don’t think Michael (Jordan) or LeBron (James) even matched this.”

The WNBA and fans hope to see Caitlin Clark back in action as soon as possible. The Fever’s next game will be against the Liberty on Saturday.


Jun 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Caitlin Clark attends game three of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Fever HC makes it clear that Caitlin Clark’s return won’t be rushed

During the Fever’s Monday practice, head coach Stephanie White gave a crucial update on Caitlin Clark’s recovery. However, White also said that the team won’t hurry with their star guard’s recovery.

“It’s completely different when you’re just doing one-on-one workouts (then) when you’re out there in five-on-five, getting up and down the floor and moving laterally. She’s been allowed to do some practicing, not everything. We’re gonna be smart and we’re gonna be cautious,” White said via IndyStar reporter Chloe Peterson on X/Twitter.


Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) react from the bench during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

It’ll be better for the Fever and every fan to have Caitlin Clark fully composed before returning to action. The team still has time to recover, with their hopes of a deep run this season still on the clear. 

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.