NBA legend and 6‑time champion Bob Cousy has set the basketball world ablaze with his latest remarks, in which he declared that WNBA players should “kiss the ground” Caitlin Clark walks on.

The comment, delivered during a sit‑down interview on a national sports podcast, came as the discussion turned to the Iowa superstar’s meteoric rise and her unprecedented impact on women’s basketball.

Cousy, who knows a thing or two about iconic careers, said Clark’s influence on the sport is already immeasurable—and then dropped a bombshell anecdote about one of her trading cards selling for a staggering $317,000 at a recent auction.

The basketball Hall of Famer, who revolutionized the point guard role in his era, made it clear that in his view, Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has fundamentally changed its trajectory. “She’s bringing eyeballs, ticket sales, sponsors, and media attention the league has been begging for.

Without her, people aren’t tuning in the way they are now,” Cousy said. He went on to stress that WNBA players and league stakeholders alike should not only embrace Clark but actively recognize the value she is bringing.

“If I were them, I’d kiss the ground she walks on every day—because she’s making everyone more money, she’s making careers last longer, and she’s making casual fans care.”

The $317K trading card sale is more than just a headline-grabbing number. For collectors, it’s a signal of Clark’s cultural and sporting importance; for the sports business community, it’s proof that athletes in the women’s game can drive values previously thought impossible.

Sports memorabilia experts said the card’s value was fueled by a combination of her record‑breaking college career, the anticipation of her WNBA dominance, and the fact that she’s already become a household name outside of basketball circles. “You’ve got a perfect storm,” said memorabilia analyst Jake Ryder. “You have hype, performance, star power, and crossover appeal all in one package.”

Cousy’s take was blunt, but it resonated with those who understand the economics of professional sports. The WNBA is still working to close the revenue and audience gap between itself and the NBA, and breakout stars like Clark are seen as catalysts for rapid growth.

Attendance for games featuring Caitlin Clark has surged sharply, with ticket resellers reporting spikes of over 200% compared to other matchups. Merchandise featuring her name sells out in hours, and broadcasts draw ratings that often eclipse many other regular‑season games.

While many fans applauded Cousy’s words as an overdue acknowledgment of Clark’s seismic impact, they also stirred some debate among current and former WNBA players.

Some agreed wholeheartedly, pointing to the tangible business benefits Clark has brought, while others felt the “kiss the ground” phrasing diminished the years of work built by veterans in the league before her arrival.

WNBA analyst and former player Tamika Catchings gave a nuanced view: “We should absolutely celebrate what Caitlin is bringing—it’s a huge shot in the arm for the league. But we also have to honor the foundation built by others.”

Cousy addressed that balance in his interview, saying, “Of course the league already has incredible players. But look, in every sport, you get those transcendent people that change everything. Jordan did it. Bird and Magic did it. Serena Williams did it in tennis. Now Clark has that chance in the WNBA. And when that happens, the smart thing to do is rally around it.”

The $317K card has also sparked a feeding frenzy in the sports collectibles market. Auction houses are scrambling to source other rare Clark cards, jerseys, and game‑worn items in anticipation of similar high‑value sales.

One broker confirmed that three private sales of signed rookie memorabilia had already exceeded six figures since the auction closed. The fervor is reminiscent of the hype surrounding LeBron James rookie cards in the mid‑2000s and reinforces the notion that Clark is more than just a generational talent—she’s an emerging global brand.

From a marketing standpoint, Clark’s aura is translating into unprecedented opportunities for the WNBA. Sponsorship deals around teams she’s playing against reportedly see spikes in activation budgets and local advertising.

Cities hosting her games experience measurable economic bumps from ticket sales, travel, and hospitality spending. Her games command prime programming slots that once went to NBA G League or niche sporting events.

For brands looking to connect with younger audiences, Clark has become one of the most bankable endorsements in the sport, attracting both legacy sponsors and trendy newcomers who want to be associated with her momentum.

Fans, too, are feeling the shift. Social media engagement for the WNBA has surged, with video highlights of Clark’s deep threes and clutch performances pulling millions of views in hours.

Her personality—confident but approachable—has made her a favorite in interviews and media appearances, further boosting the league’s profile. All of this supports Cousy’s central argument: that the league and its players should show “gratitude” for what Clark’s presence is generating.

However, not all the responses have been glowing. Some critics argue that too much emphasis is being placed on one player and that long‑term success must come from elevating the entire roster of talent.

Sports columnist Marilyn Thomas wrote, “Clark is a star, but the league’s strength will come from depth, rivalries, and a sustained narrative. Putting all the focus on her could backfire if injuries or performance dips occur.”

Cousy didn’t shy away from such concerns, but reiterated that star power has always been the lifeblood of sports leagues. “Yes, depth matters. But without stars, casual fans don’t care. And she’s the biggest star they’ve got right now,” he stated.

The buzz also raises another question: how will Clark handle the pressure and expectations attached to being labeled a league savior so early in her WNBA career? History is littered with athletes whose burdens of hype outpaced their ability to sustain dominance.

For now, though, Clark appears unfazed. In past interviews, she’s expressed gratitude for the support and excitement about being part of the WNBA, while also emphasizing her focus on improving her game and helping her team win.

When asked if he had any direct advice for Clark, Cousy smiled and offered this: “Keep being yourself. The game will take care of itself if you work, and clearly, this young lady knows how to work.”

He added that while the $317K card sale is a wild figure, its real value is symbolic—representing what women’s basketball can become when fans, media, and the market rally behind transformative players.

In the days since Cousy’s remarks, both the $317K card and his “kiss the ground” quote have become viral talking points across sports media. Merchandise with the quote is already popping up online, interviews with Clark are being replayed on national broadcasts, and talk shows are debating whether Cousy’s comparison to legends like Jordan is premature or right on the money.

Whether one agrees with the literal phrasing or not, Bob Cousy’s central point is difficult to dispute: Caitlin Clark is moving the needle for the WNBA in ways few imagined possible just a few years ago. The league’s challenge now is to harness that momentum, ensure her impact benefits all players, and prove to fans—and to icons like Cousy—that it can build on her star power for the long haul.