Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark drives much of the interest in the WNBA, but does that require to speak about every controversy the league faces?
Fox Sports commentator Colin Cowherd compares her to one of the biggest names in basketball history.
"She's Steph Curry (in playing style), but with kind of a Michael Jordan mindset," Cowherd said. "All business, all basketball, has no opinion or comment on the controversies."
Clark spoke about on-court issues — primarily officiating — early in the season. But she has steered clear of social issues, notably whether transgender women should be allowed in women's sports.
Cowherd said Clark's presence "is a singular reason that the league is in a much better spot financially," noting a new collective bargaining agreement that pays players much more and offers better travel conditions, and a lucrative TV deal.
The third-year player had her fifth 30-point-plus, 10-assist-plus performance last weekend against the Chicago Sky. The rest of WNBA history includes four such games.
However, he added: "The path to growth is always through discomfort," identifying UFC from a decade ago, several pro sports dynasties and current college sports that benefit financially from offseason and off-the-field/court/octagon controversies.
"The WNBA was growing and the reason it was growing was because the quality is pretty good," he said. "The North Star of the league's growth — private jets, new TV deal, packed arenas — Taylor Swift in tennis shoes is Caitlin Clark. She's not driving the controversy although she's surrounded with it. But like Michael Jordan, she is all business."
"She is Steph Curry but with a Michael Jordan mindset. All business. All basketball. Has no opinion or comment on the controversies."@colincowherd argues the WNBA needs to embrace Caitlin Clark while the league is surrounded by controversy pic.twitter.com/dWSJlDxk7s
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 25, 2026Caitlin Clark statsCaitlin Clark averages 22.1 points (third in the WNBA), 8.3 assists (first) and 3.8 rebounds per game. She has made 45% of her shots, 36.8% of her 3-pointers and 83.8% of her free throws.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark has 'a Michael Jordan mindset' and is 'Taylor Swift in tennis shoes'
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