oston Celtics icon Bob Cousy champions Caitlin Clark and calls for more respect amid WNBA wage protests
Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, now 97, has made a bold statement in support of Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark—and offered a scathing critique of how some within the WNBA are responding to her impact.
Cousy—who won six NBA championships, was named MVP in 1957, and had his jersey retired by the Celtics—praised Clark’s extraordinary influence on the league. “She’s had a tremendous impact on that league and their earning potential,” Cousy told the Boston Globe, according to coverage by NESN . He added pointedly, “They should be kissing the ground she walks on, not trying to foul her and get her out of the game” .
His remarks come amid escalating tensions in the WNBA, as players—including Clark—highlighted the stark pay disparity during All-Star Game warm-ups. The stars donned black T-shirts emblazoned with “Pay us what you owe us”, seeking fairer compensation as the league’s collective bargaining agreement looms for renewal .
Cousy’s commentary underscores how Clark’s presence has dramatically changed the league’s fortunes. Her popularity has led to massive boosts in attendance, viewership, merchandising, and franchise valuations—earning her a prominent place in the WNBA’s financial and cultural surge .
Meanwhile, Clark herself and her agent have been vocal about the unfairness of her current earnings relative to her impact. According to Reuters and People, Clark called for better pay during labor negotiations, and her agent Erin Kane acknowledged, frankly, that the WNBA “could never fully compensate her for what she’s really worth” .
In essence, Bob Cousy’s stance is a firm call for gratitude and acknowledgment toward Clark’s immense contribution. It’s both an indictment of the league’s underappreciation of its star and a timely reminder: Caitlin Clark isn’t just a player—she’s a cornerstone of the WNBA’s burgeoning success.
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