'Makes no sense': Colin Cowherd rips WNBA over Caitlin Clark poster decision

The WNBA hoped to celebrate three decades of history with a special anniversary poster. Instead, it sparked one of the biggest debates surrounding the league this week.

The WNBA recently unveiled artwork commemorating its 30th season, featuring 30 players who helped define the league across different eras. But fans quickly noticed one name missing: Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.

The omission spread rapidly across social media, prompting FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd to weigh in with a sharp critique of the league's decision.

Colin Cowherd questions WNBA's decision

During Thursday's edition of "The Herd," Cowherd said leaving Clark off the poster simply didn't add up.

"It makes no sense," Cowherd said before arguing that the WNBA continues to overthink how it promotes its biggest attraction.

"The WNBA? They just keep driving into a wall, at full speed, with Caitlin Clark."

Cowherd pointed to Clark's unprecedented impact since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.

He noted that the Fever had to move games to larger arenas during her rookie season because of overwhelming demand and argued that television ratings have consistently reflected Clark's popularity.

Cowherd also questioned how Clark could be absent while younger stars such as Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese appeared on the commemorative poster.

"This is a paranoid, weird, insular league," he said.

Why Clark's omission sparked debate

The league has not publicly explained how the 30 players featured on the anniversary artwork were selected. That has left fans offering their own theories.

Some argued the poster was designed to recognize players whose WNBA careers have already left a lasting historical impact, making Clark's exclusion understandable despite her popularity. Others believe Clark's influence on the league has already been so significant that leaving her off the poster was a missed opportunity.

Since joining the WNBA, Clark has helped fuel record attendance, television audiences and national media attention, making nearly every Fever game one of the league's biggest events.

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Clark's influence extends beyond the stat sheet

Cowherd acknowledged that his criticism wasn't about Clark's résumé compared to longtime WNBA legends.Instead, he framed it as a marketing decision.

Professional sports leagues have long embraced their most recognizable stars, whether it was Michael Jordan helping grow the NBA globally, Tiger Woods transforming golf or Patrick Mahomes becoming one of the NFL's premier faces. Cowherd argued that Clark has reached a similar level of importance for the WNBA's business growth, regardless of where she currently ranks among the league's all-time great players.

Another Caitlin Clark discussion dominates the headlines

The poster controversy is just the latest example of Clark becoming the center of conversation around the WNBA. Whether the topic is television ratings, attendance, physical play or league marketing, the Fever guard continues to generate national attention unlike any other player in women's basketball.

The WNBA intended for its anniversary poster to celebrate its history. Instead, it has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over how the league chooses to market its brightest and most influential star.

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