The 2023 NCAA championship game was a watershed moment for women’s basketball, capturing a historic audience as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese faced off with unmatched fervor. This game wasn’t just about the title; it sparked a rivalry that’s still talked about today.
Reese led LSU to victory, sending Clark off with a memorable hand wave that echoed through the sports community. Although both players expressed admiration for each other afterward, their competitive spirits remained a focal point.
As they embark on their rookie seasons in the WNBA, Clark as the No. 1 overall pick for the Fever and Reese as the No. 7 pick for the Sky, many wonder about their relationship off the court. Here’s what we know.
The Dynamics Between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Since their high-profile clash in the 2023 title game, Clark and Reese have frequently been compared, often depicted as rivals. However, their off-court rapport tells a different story. Reese publicly congratulated Clark when she broke the all-time NCAA women’s basketball scoring record, highlighting their mutual respect.
Ahead of their Elite Eight encounter in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Reese opened up to ESPN’s Andrea Adelson about her bond with Clark:
“People think there’s animosity, but it’s not personal,” Reese clarified. “On the court, it’s all about competition—we’re trying to outplay each other. But off the court, there’s no bad blood. I can be the ‘villain’ if it means growing the sport. It’s all part of the game.”
Clark mirrored this sentiment, emphasizing their shared drive:
“Winning is our ultimate goal,” she told ESPN before the 2024 Elite Eight. “That competitive edge is what we have in common. Whether it’s the national championship or the Elite Eight, our passion for the game is evident. We both love basketball and push ourselves to help our teams win.”
Iowa managed to avenge their previous loss by defeating LSU, only to be bested by South Carolina in the 2024 championship game.
The WNBA Rookie Season Surge
In their rookie seasons, Clark and Reese are propelling the WNBA to new heights. The league saw its highest opening month attendance in 26 years, with about 400,000 fans and over half of the games selling out—a 156% rise from the previous year.
Viewership also hit record levels, with 1.32 million people tuning in, tripling the average from last season. Merchandise sales and social media engagement have similarly soared.
Clark’s influence was clear—her debut game with the Fever against the Sun drew 2.1 million viewers, setting a record as the most-watched WNBA game on ESPN. The rematch between Clark and Reese’s teams attracted 1.53 million viewers.
While Clark’s impact is undeniable, Reese emphasizes the collective effort:
“I’ll be remembered for my role in this, but it’s about all of us,” Reese asserted. “The league has 144 players, and we all contribute to its success. It’s not just one person making a difference.”
Reese also honored the veterans who paved the way:
“So many have done so much for this sport. This surge in popularity is long overdue recognition of their hard work.”
Upcoming Encounters
The Sky and Fever will meet three more times this season, with Indiana hosting on June 16 and Chicago playing at home on June 23 and August 30.
