In a fiery segment that’s now gone viral, sports media veteran Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back when addressing what he sees as “gatekeeping and jealousy” from some WNBA players and fans toward Caitlin Clark and her rapidly growing legion of supporters.

On his popular show The Herd, Cowherd called out what he described as “pettiness” within the WNBA and “elitist attitudes” from long-time fans who are resistant to the massive cultural wave Clark has brought to women’s basketball.

“Caitlin Clark is the best thing to ever happen to the WNBA — and some people in the league are acting like she’s a problem. It’s ridiculous,” Cowherd said.
“You don’t grow a league by shutting the door on new fans and new energy. That’s called gatekeeping.”

 What Sparked the Rant?

Cowherd’s comments come amid growing tension online and on the court. Despite Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking popularity, there’s been visible coldness from veteran players, subtle jabs in press conferences, and even hard fouls during games that fans have called “targeted.”

Social media has amplified the divide, with some WNBA fans and commentators accusing Clark’s supporters of being “bandwagoners” or disrespecting the legacy of players who paved the way. Others claim Clark is receiving “preferential media treatment” or is being “overhyped because she’s white.”

Cowherd wasn’t having any of it.

 Cowherd: “You Can’t Grow While Hating the Growth”

“This is the same league that’s been begging for ratings, attention, and investment. Now you have it — thanks to Caitlin — and some of you act offended she’s getting the spotlight?”

He pointed out that Clark’s arrival has elevated the WNBA’s profile more than any single event in its recent history:

Record-breaking TV ratings for her debut.

Sell-out crowds in cities that hadn’t seen that in years.

Merchandise sales and ticket demand exploding nationwide.

“You don’t get to complain about being overlooked and then roll your eyes when someone finally shines a light,” Cowherd said.

 Dividing or Uniting?

Cowherd’s takedown reflects a wider debate in women’s sports: Should newcomers — especially white or hyper-marketed stars like Clark — be embraced unconditionally, or must they “earn their stripes” in a league that’s been overlooked and underfunded for decades?

Some WNBA veterans argue that media hype around Clark is disrespectful to longtime stars like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart — players who built the league without the benefit of viral fame or multimillion-dollar NIL deals.

But Cowherd insists that growth requires humility, not hostility:

“This isn’t about erasing history — it’s about finally writing a new chapter. And Caitlin Clark is the author. Let her cook.”

 Final Thoughts: The Gatekeeping Debate Isn’t Over

Cowherd’s blunt commentary has received both praise and backlash online. But one thing is clear: the arrival of Caitlin Clark is forcing a reckoning within the WNBA, and how the league handles her success — and the criticism around it — could define its future.

As Cowherd said to close his segment:

“You can’t beg for change, then boo it when it shows up in a different jersey.”