As the 2024 WNBA season unfolds, one of the most electrifying storylines has been the dynamic entry of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese into the league. Their NCAA days were marked by fierce competition, leaving fans eager to see if this intense rivalry would persist in the professional arena.
However, contrary to the expected fireworks, both Clark and Reese have downplayed their so-called rivalry, focusing instead on their shared goal of excellence. This became abundantly clear as the two prepare to take the court as first-time WNBA All-Stars at the league’s annual showcase in Phoenix on July 20.
Reese Envisions Future Collaboration with Clark
In a surprising turn of events, Angel Reese, during an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” expressed her eagerness to team up with Clark. Far from viewing Clark as a rival, Reese sees her as an esteemed peer. She eagerly anticipates their collaboration in Phoenix and has her sights set even further down the road.
“I know we’ll be All-Stars again. Hopefully, 2028, we will be Olympians together, too,” Reese shared enthusiastically. “I’m going to Paris to watch the Olympics, and I’m excited about the future.”
Reese’s admiration for Clark isn’t a new development. Despite their competitive clashes in college and early WNBA matchups, Reese has consistently praised Clark. Last season, while at LSU, she expressed her desire to one day play alongside the former Iowa star.
A Vision for 2028 and Beyond
This mutual respect and budding camaraderie are set to be showcased on July 20, and fans can expect many more All-Star appearances from the duo. Given their current trajectory, it seems almost inevitable that Clark and Reese will don the same jersey at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, heralding a new era in women’s basketball.
As they continue to break barriers and set new standards in the sport, the narrative of their rivalry seems poised to transform into a story of partnership and shared ambition. The anticipation surrounding their performances is not just about competition but also about the unity and progress they represent for women’s basketball.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, Angel Reese’s bold statements about Caitlin Clark are not just surprising—they’re a testament to the evolving dynamics of sports rivalries and the potential for unity at the highest levels of competition.