Colin Cowherd recently validated the growing sentiment against the Olympic Committee and its decision to snub Caitlin Clark from Team USA. Many were left scratching their heads when Clark, arguably the most popular female basketball player today, was omitted from the original roster.

Given her incredible impact and popularity, her exclusion was perplexing, especially as this year’s roster was compared to the NBA’s Dream Team, with hopes that Clark could similarly elevate women’s basketball.

Clark’s omission seemed even more baffling given the opportunity for her inclusion following Diana Taurasi’s injury. Taurasi, who had previously dismissed Clark’s potential impact in the WNBA, faced backlash for her comments, which many fans saw as jealousy.

However, Clark proved her doubters wrong by delivering stellar performances, including a near triple-double against Taurasi’s team, earning praise even from her former critic.

Despite her undeniable popularity—garnering over 700,000 votes for the All-Star Game compared to last year’s top vote-getter’s 96,000—the WNBA has seemingly struggled to capitalize on Clark’s star power. The league’s scheduling and logistical decisions, such as moving games to accommodate larger audiences for Clark, indicate a lack of preparedness for her arrival.

This mismanagement extended to the Olympic Committee’s decision-making, influenced by emotional biases rather than business acumen.

Olympic team coach Cheryl Reeve’s actions and statements suggested a bias against Clark. Reeve’s complaints about the lack of broadcasting for games without star rookies and her role in Clark’s roster snub raised questions. Reeve cited experience and standard procedure as reasons for Clark’s exclusion, but many saw this as an excuse to please other players rather than a valid reason.

Despite these challenges, Clark’s on-court performance speaks for itself.

She became the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double, leads all rookies in scoring and assists, and has set multiple franchise records for the Indiana Fever. Off the court, her impact is equally significant, with record-breaking ratings, jersey sales, and endorsements, making her one of the most marketable athletes in women’s basketball.

Cowherd argues that the Olympic Committee and WNBA should embrace Clark’s popularity and talent. The women’s Olympic basketball competition lacks the intense rivalry seen in the men’s game, with Team USA being clear favorites.

Including Clark in the Olympic team would boost viewership, promote the sport, and provide a platform for other players to gain endorsements. Cowherd emphasizes the need to avoid making the same mistake twice by excluding Clark, urging the committee to recognize her potential to elevate the game.

Clark’s ability to draw audiences and break records highlights the importance of her inclusion in major events like the Olympics.

Her exclusion would not only be a disservice to her but also to the growth of women’s basketball. The WNBA and Olympic Committee have an opportunity to rectify their initial mistake and leverage Clark’s star power to benefit the sport as a whole.