Colin Cowherd Defends Caitlin Clark, Blasts Kelsey Plum Over “Golden Goose” Comments

The WNBA continues to rise in popularity, but as the league grows, so do tensions between its stars. This week, that tension exploded into public view when sports commentator Colin Cowherd harshly criticized Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces for what he called an unnecessary jab at Caitlin Clark, the breakout rookie of the Indiana Fever.

The Incident: “Pay Us What You Owe Us”

During the WNBA All-Star Weekend, players wore T-shirts reading “Pay us what you owe us,” a message supporting better compensation and financial equity in the league. However, some noticed that Team Clark (the squad led by Caitlin Clark) was notably absent from the meeting where this movement was discussed and the shirt decision was made.

Kelsey Plum, an All-Star and vocal advocate for WNBA players’ rights, made a comment implying that Clark and her teammates skipped out on this important conversation — a comment that sparked immediate online debate.

Colin Cowherd Responds: “Stop Talking”

On his Fox Sports 1 show, “The Herd,” Colin Cowherd jumped into the fray. While he began by praising the WNBA’s growth and positive momentum, he quickly turned critical of Plum’s remarks.

“Why do you take a shot at the golden goose, Caitlin Clark?” Cowherd questioned. “You guys were flying—before she arrived—on one of those airlines that made you pay for a cup of water… now you’re flying private.”

His metaphor became even more pointed:

“You went from a Motel 6 in a sketchy part of town to a Four Seasons in the shopping district. Stop talking.”

Cowherd’s point was clear: Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has generated unprecedented attention, revenue, and growth for the league. From sold-out games to spiking TV ratings and new sponsorships, the “Clark Effect” is very real. And in Cowherd’s eyes, calling her out — even in jest — does more harm than good.

Was It Just a Joke?

Not everyone believes Kelsey Plum intended to stir up controversy. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne offered clarification on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“It was fairly obvious Plum’s remark was a joke that didn’t land. The meeting where players decided to wear the shirts was at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Understandable that not many from Team Clark made it after what we saw on Stud Budz from the night before.”

Shelburne was referring to a behind-the-scenes video showing Team Clark enjoying their evening prior — likely leading to the early morning absence.

Underlying Frustrations Within the League

This clash touches on larger issues brewing within the WNBA. As Caitlin Clark rapidly ascends to global superstardom, some players feel overshadowed. Many of them have been advocating for higher salaries and better treatment for years — long before Clark arrived. Now, the sudden influx of attention and perks associated with Clark’s presence (charter flights, increased marketing, luxury accommodations) can feel like long-overdue progress that only came when a white, marketable rookie entered the league.

It’s a sensitive and nuanced conversation about visibility, race, media bias, and the frustrations of veterans who’ve been grinding for years without receiving the same spotlight.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not Kelsey Plum’s remark was serious, it struck a chord. Colin Cowherd’s fiery defense of Caitlin Clark reflects how high the stakes have become. Clark isn’t just a rookie — she’s become a symbol of the WNBA’s potential and its complicated internal dynamics.

The question now isn’t just about T-shirts or team meetings — it’s about how the league moves forward in unity, how it distributes credit, and how it ensures all players benefit from the league’s rise, not just the face on the billboard.

As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is not just changing the game on the court — she’s reshaping the conversation around it, too.