Colin Cowherd Blames WNBA Officiating for Caitlin Clark’s Struggles in Sophomore Season

Caitlin Clark entered her second WNBA season with sky-high expectations. The former Iowa superstar had already become a household name, selling out arenas and drawing record viewership. But while her cultural impact remains undeniable, her on-court performance has taken a surprising dip — and sports personality Colin Cowherd thinks he knows why.

On a recent episode of The Herd, Cowherd didn’t hold back when analyzing Clark’s “fall from grace” and pointed directly at one target: WNBA officiating.

“They have one more big move to make as a league—they have to get better officiating,” Cowherd said. “Guards in the WNBA get attacked. Look at the number of injured players in the WNBA—it’s unbelievable.”

Clark is currently shooting just 36% from the field and a disappointing 28% from three-point range this season. Plagued by multiple injuries, she’s led an Indiana Fever team — once considered title contenders — to a record barely above .500. It’s a stretch that doesn’t reflect her immense skill, but may say more about the physical toll the league’s style of play is taking on its stars.

Cowherd believes the WNBA is officiating its games far too aggressively:
“The NBA kind of protects its players in the regular season. The WNBA officiates like the NBA does in the postseason,” he said. “This is a learning curve. You want your best players healthy for the playoffs, then you can take the whistle out.”

That sentiment echoes a growing concern among fans and analysts who’ve watched young stars like Clark struggle not because of lack of talent, but because of constant contact, hard fouls, and minimal protection from officials. The physicality may be intense, but it can also be detrimental — especially for guards, who are often the most targeted on the floor.

Clark’s early challenges in the WNBA are not unique; many rising stars in women’s basketball hit a wall early due to the league’s relentless pace and bruising defense. But given Clark’s unique visibility and impact on the sport’s growth, the stakes are higher. She’s not just another player — she’s the face of a movement.

The WNBA has made huge strides in visibility, attendance, and national coverage in recent years, much of which is thanks to Clark’s arrival. But for the league to continue growing, it needs its stars healthy and performing at their peak. As Cowherd suggests, better officiating may be the missing piece in keeping elite talent on the floor — and allowing players like Caitlin Clark to shine.