In a fiery social media showdown, Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery stirred the WNBA pot by suggesting that Angel Reese deserves as much credit as Caitlin Clark for the league’s recent rise in popularity. Her comments on “The Rich Eisen Show” set off a social media firestorm, with fans passionately taking sides. “So annoying and embarrassing,” one fan ranted on X (formerly Twitter). Others found Montgomery’s remarks downright cringe-worthy, with fans accusing her of clinging to an “equal hype” narrative about Reese that doesn’t sit well with Clark’s stans.
To set the stage, Clark, currently with the Indiana Fever, has been dubbed a force of nature, a game-changer, and a literal ratings magnet. Her arrival was branded “The Caitlin Clark Effect” – think ticket sales skyrocketing, record-breaking viewership, and an undeniable buzz that’s hard to miss. In Clark’s shadow, Reese has certainly made a splash of her own as a 2024 rookie for the Chicago Sky, but the debate rages on about whether her impact matches Clark’s, who some fans feel has practically redefined the WNBA.
Montgomery didn’t hold back on Eisen’s show, though, saying it wasn’t just “The Caitlin Clark Show” this year but a whole rookie class of talent – including Reese – that breathed life into the league. “It’s not just Caitlin Clark out here making waves,” she argued. To say fans disagreed would be an understatement. The X-verse lit up with everything from eyeroll emojis to downright jabs. “We get it, Renee,” one user wrote sarcastically. “But let’s be real – Angel Reese is no Caitlin Clark!”
The rivalry between Clark and Reese stretches back to college, and the WNBA hype machine hasn’t been shy about capitalizing on it. Games featuring the two players drew huge audiences, like the record-breaking 2.3 million viewers for their June 23 matchup – a game that had fans literally on the edge of their seats as the Chicago Sky squeaked past the Indiana Fever, 88-87.
However, not everyone’s onboard with the idea of Reese as Clark’s equal. “They keep forcing this narrative like Angel Reese’s impact even holds a candle to Caitlin’s,” one fan tweeted. “We’re all numb to it at this point.” Another fan agreed, noting, “Yeah, it’s like they have to downplay Clark’s success just to throw Reese in the mix. It’s embarrassing.”
Still, both players have undeniably helped turn the WNBA into a must-watch spectacle, with expectations running high for the league’s growth in upcoming seasons. The 2024 rookie class, spearheaded by Clark and Reese, has set unprecedented records in viewership and attendance, and it’s clear the hype isn’t going anywhere soon.
Whether fans like it or not, Clark and Reese seem destined to be compared, linked, and mentioned in the same breath. In the end, maybe that’s just part of the thrill. As one user wryly put it, “You know the league’s winning when a single comparison has half the fanbase raging online.”