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Colin Cowherd is no stranger to bold opinions, but this time, he's far from alone. On his show The Herd, the outspoken host called out Time Magazine for what he views as an indefensible oversight, excluding WNBA star Caitlin Clark from its 2024 list of the 100 Most Influential People. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever seen," Cowherd said, visibly frustrated.
Clark, who was recently named Time's own Athlete of the Year, has played a monumental role in reshaping the visibility of women's basketball. Her arrival to the WNBA ignited record-breaking ratings, sold-out arenas, and a wave of national attention unlike anything the league had experienced before. Cowherd wasn't shy in pointing out the contradiction: "If she's not on this list, what are we even doing?"
Unrivaled founders make the cut, Clark doesn't
The 2024 Time list included several familiar names from the world of sports, Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts among them. Also recognized were Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, both WNBA veterans and co-founders of the new Unrivaled league, an offseason alternative for top players.
While Stewart and Collier are undoubtedly influential, their inclusion over Clark is what really sparked Cowherd's outrage. "This isn't a debate about who's great on the court, it's about who's shifting the conversation," he argued.
Clark's name has become synonymous with the WNBA's resurgence. From primetime coverage to soaring merchandise sales, her impact has transcended the court.
Clark's legacy is already cemented, list or not
Though Clark's absence from Time's list raises eyebrows, it's unlikely to slow her momentum. In just a short time, she's become one of the most marketable athletes in America. Endorsement deals, record viewership, and an undeniable cultural footprint, Clark has already redefined what's possible for women in sports.
Cowherd believes this snub speaks to a broader media disconnect. "The WNBA was barely surviving. Now it's booming. That's not random, it's Caitlin Clark," he said.
Whether or not the magazine recognizes her, fans, analysts, and even skeptics agree on one thing: Clark's influence is real, measurable, and growing.
Time may have looked the other way, but the rest of the world is watching.