Caitlin Clark, despite being named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2024, was not included on the publication’s list of The 100 Most Influential People of 2025. This decision has sparked questions and criticisms from fans and pundits alike, with many pointing out the impact that Clark has had on the popularity of women’s basketball over the past year. Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd, in particular, expressed outrage over Clark’s exclusion from the list, calling it “idiotic” and stating that she is the most influential athlete in America. Social media users also voiced their disbelief at Clark’s absence.
One of the main arguments for Clark’s influence on women’s basketball is the significant increase in viewership that she has brought to the sport. In her rookie year, Clark made the Indiana Fever the most-watched team in the WNBA by a large margin, with the 14 most-watched games of the season all featuring the Fever. She also broke the record for most All-Star votes for any player in WNBA history. Her impact was further demonstrated by the record-breaking TV audiences she attracted during key games, such as drawing 1.26 million viewers during a game against the Minnesota Lynx that coincided with an NFL matchup.
Despite Clark’s undeniable influence, the WNBA saw a drop-off in viewership during the playoffs after her team was eliminated. The absence of Clark in the tournament may have contributed to the decline in ratings, as games between other popular teams failed to attract the same level of viewership. Additionally, women’s college basketball also faced a decline in ratings following Clark’s absence from the NCAA tournament. Without Clark, the broadcasts of key matchups saw a substantial decrease in viewership compared to the previous year, when she played in the first women’s NCAA title game to outperform the men’s.
Clark’s impact on the sport goes beyond just viewership numbers. She has been credited with bringing attention and excitement to women’s basketball through her dynamic playing style and on-court performances. Her presence has helped elevate the profile of the WNBA and women’s college basketball, bringing in new fans and increasing interest in the sport. Despite her exclusion from Time Magazine’s list of The 100 Most Influential People, Clark’s influence on women’s basketball is undeniable and continues to shape the future of the sport.
In contrast to the lack of recognition for Clark, other athletes such as WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Naphisa Collier were included on the list of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2025. Stewart and Collier were recognized for their role as co-founders of the “Unrivaled” women’s basketball league, which aims to further develop and promote women’s basketball at the professional level. The inclusion of other athletes on the list has raised questions about the criteria used to determine influence and recognition in the sports world, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in receiving acknowledgment for their accomplishments and contributions.
