Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the Indiana Fever, is one of the most polarizing figures in sports today.

Since joining the WNBA, merchandise sales featuring Clark have surged by over 230% year-over-year, making her the top seller in jersey sales. Her popularity has also attracted several major brands; most notably, she signed a lucrative contract with Nike, reportedly worth $28 million.

In terms of endorsements, Clark’s total earnings are estimated to have exceeded $3 million during her college days. This significant level of endorsement activity highlights her immense appeal and sets new benchmarks for sponsorships in the WNBA.

However, Clark’s popularity has not come without criticism. WNBA Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes is one notable detractor, as she has refused to acknowledge Clark’s impact on the Fever’s turnaround, despite the team going from one of the worst in the league to a playoff contender after Clark’s arrival.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates during a game against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Colin Cowherd was joined by Nick Wright on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” where they discussed Clark’s rising popularity. Cowherd stated that the only athlete comparable to Clark is neither Michael Jordan nor LeBron James.

“Merchandise sales went up 500%,” Cowherd said. “The valuation of the team, an awful team that had the No. 1 pick, went from $90 million to $340 million. I think her only comp is Tiger Woods. I don’t think Michael (Jordan) or LeBron (James) even matched this.”

Cowherd mentioned that the WNBA was a sport that typically didn’t receive much viewership, but he now finds himself watching the games more often. He recalled spending time with family over the weekend, where several college students remarked that if Clark is playing, that’s what is on the television at the fraternity houses. Cowherd believes that fans are underestimating her impact.

Wright concurred with this observation, stating that Woods is a great comparison because his popularity transformed a sport that was once only popular among a small group into a mainstream phenomenon. He urged WNBA fans and players to support Clark rather than criticize her, emphasizing that the biggest beneficiaries of Woods’ popularity were other golfers.

More attention on Woods meant more attention on the sport as a whole, which also shone a spotlight on other players. Wright feels that Clark’s popularity could have a similar effect in the WNBA, as her presence brings more viewers to the sport, which in turn benefits other players.

He believes the two biggest winners from this situation are A’ja Wilson, whom he considers the best player in the league, and Paige Bueckers, with whom he envisions a potential rivalry could develop alongside Clark. Only time will tell if influential figures like Swoopes will fully embrace Clark’s rising stardom.