The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which originated in college basketball, has seamlessly transitioned to the WNBA stage, maintaining its intensity both on and off the court. Amid their competitive clash, however, a surprising revelation has emerged: the title of the most polarizing figure in the WNBA. And the verdict is clear-cut.
It’s a common phenomenon for public figures to attract equal parts adoration and animosity. What resonates positively with one fan might provoke disdain in another. WNBA athletes are no exception, as evidenced by a recent analysis conducted by BetOnline to determine the league’s most divisive player.
BetOnline sifted through data from X (formerly Twitter), scouring for tweets bearing negative sentiments such as “I hate Angel Reese” or “I hate Caitlin Clark.” The findings provided a glimpse into the sentiments prevailing among followers of the women’s professional basketball league.
And the Winner Is…
According to BetOnline’s findings, Angel Reese emerges as the WNBA’s most polarizing player by a significant margin. During the initial month of the 2024 season, the Chicago Sky rookie sparked nearly 200,000 negative posts, far surpassing her nearest rival. Surprisingly, Caitlin Clark didn’t secure the second spot either.
In second place, the study identified Chennedy Carter with just over 100,000 negative mentions, while Caitlin Clark trailed closely behind in third with approximately 90,000 critical comments. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, both teammates of Clark on the Indiana Fever, rounded out the top five.
The scrutiny extended beyond established players to include members of the 2024 Draft Class. Cameron Brink, the second overall pick, landed in seventh place, while Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards claimed the 15th, 22nd, and 25th spots respectively as the most polarizing figures in the league.
Scrutiny on Reese
Angel Reese has long been a figure of divided opinions, stretching back to her collegiate days. The rising star for the Chicago Sky is known for her outspoken nature and unapologetic demeanor. Predictably, tensions flared during her first WNBA encounter with Caitlin Clark, underscoring their ongoing rivalry.
During a recent game on June 2nd, Chennedy Carter’s controversial shoulder check on Clark in the third quarter drew widespread condemnation from fans and players alike. Reese openly supported her teammate’s actions, remaining unapologetic in the face of criticism.
The incident ignited a flurry of reactions, with Clark receiving widespread sympathy while Reese and Carter faced backlash. Undeterred, Reese embraced her role as a ‘villain’ in the WNBA, expressing no regrets for her stance.
In conclusion, while the battle for supremacy on the court continues to captivate fans, the off-court discourse reveals a stark polarization among WNBA enthusiasts, with Angel Reese at the center of attention.
