The Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark Feud Takes a New Turn: Is Angel Reese Jealous or Just Playing Her Role?

The world of women’s basketball has witnessed many rivalries over the years, but few have captivated fans and ignited debates like the one between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. What started as a high-profile moment during the 2023 National Championship Game has now spiraled into a media frenzy. And just when you thought the rivalry couldn’t get more intense, Angel Reese makes headlines again—but this time for something completely unexpected.

Angel Reese looks past father's basketball career when discussing biggest  influences in her journey | Marca

In a move that has left fans and commentators buzzing, Reese turned down an interview for Christine Brennan’s new book on Caitlin Clark, titled On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports. The book, which chronicles Clark’s journey and monumental impact on women’s basketball, was expected to include insights from all key players involved in the saga—but Reese’s refusal to participate is raising eyebrows. Is she simply playing her role in this narrative, or is there a deeper issue at play here?

Let’s break down this developing drama and why Reese’s decision is sending shockwaves through the basketball world.

THE BEGINNING OF A RIVALRY THAT IGNITED THE SPORTS WORLD

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is nothing new. It all kicked off in 2023 during the Women’s Basketball National Championship Game when Reese, fresh off a victorious LSU Tigers team, taunted Clark with the now-infamous “You can’t see me” gesture that Clark herself had used throughout the season. But Reese took it further, pointing to her finger to signal her championship ring, and that’s when the sparks flew.

What was originally perceived as playful competition quickly turned into something much bigger. What followed was a social media storm, with fans split between supporting Reese’s fiery persona and championing Clark’s calm, focused demeanor. That moment in the championship became the defining flashpoint in women’s basketball for years to come.

LSU's Angel Reese says she has been 'attacked so many times' and  'threatened' since winning NCAA title in 2023 - ABC7 Los Angeles

THE BOOK AND THE REJECTION: WHY DID REESE TURN IT DOWN?

Christine Brennan’s new book, On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, was expected to provide insight into Clark’s journey and how she’s transformed women’s basketball. With such a monumental player at its core, the book naturally garnered attention, with Caitlin Clark becoming the face of a revolution in women’s sports. Yet, despite the monumental occasion, Angel Reese turned down an interview for the book.

According to Brennan, Reese declined multiple requests to be part of the book, as reported by Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post. “Through a spokeswoman, Reese declined several requests to comment for this book,” Brennan wrote.

Now, it’s important to understand the implications of this refusal. While many expected Reese to be a key figure in the narrative, her decision to distance herself from the project seems intentional. Was this a deliberate snub, or does it reflect a deeper underlying tension between Reese and Clark, or the media at large?

FANS REACT: IS ANGEL REESE JUST PLAYING HER ROLE?

As soon as the news hit, the floodgates opened on social media. Fans immediately began criticizing Reese for her refusal to participate, with many accusing her of “jealousy” towards Clark. One fan tweeted, “Angel Reese is a loser”, while another joked, “She was rebounding from a photo shoot”. The harsh critiques seem to stem from a narrative that has been cultivated around Reese since her rivalry with Clark began—the “villain” persona.

But here’s the thing: Reese herself has embraced this role. When she was a rookie in 2024, Reese famously declared she was happy to take on the villain role—a role that fans have, somewhat paradoxically, given her. Is it possible that Reese is simply playing the character that everyone expects her to be? After all, the “bad girl” role in sports has historically been just as marketable, if not more, than being the good girl. This persona—whether you love it or hate it—has kept Reese in the limelight and added an extra layer of drama to her on-court battles with Clark.

Perhaps, turning down the interview wasn’t about resentment at all but about reinforcing her character, a character that keeps the rivalry alive and thriving. If Reese were to play along and talk about her opponent, the story would lose its edge. By staying out of the book, Reese has ensured that the narrative remains intactshe’s not backing down and will not be sidelined in this saga.

Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact  on women's sports - Athabasca, Barrhead & Westlock News

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: REESE VS. CLARK—WHO WILL WIN THIS RIVALRY?

The next chapter in the Clark-Reese rivalry is already set for July 27, 2025, when the Indiana Fever faces the Chicago Sky again in Chicago. This match will be one of the most anticipated of the season, and everyone is waiting to see how both players respond to the pressure.

Clark, who was sidelined by a quad injury during the last matchup, will return with more focus than ever. Meanwhile, Reese will be coming off a stellar season and looking to prove that her game transcends the drama. Both athletes have much to prove, not only to their fans but to themselves. What will this next showdown tell us about where they stand in the ever-evolving world of women’s basketball?

For Angel Reese, this game is an opportunity to put her stamp on the league and continue showing that her presence isn’t just about one rivalry—it’s about dominating the sport. For Caitlin Clark, it’s about showing that she’s not just the face of women’s basketball in the U.S.—she’s the one who defines the game’s future.

THE LARGER PICTURE: WOMEN’S SPORTS IN 2025 AND THE EVOLVING RIVALRY

At the heart of this drama lies the larger conversation about women’s sports in 2025. While men’s basketball garners the spotlight, women’s basketball has slowly but surely gained traction, and Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are undeniably at the forefront of that transformation. Their rivalry is more than just basketball—it’s about identity, perception, and the evolution of female athletes in a male-dominated industry.

As both Clark and Reese grow into their roles as the new faces of women’s basketball, they have to deal with more than just their on-court performance. They are changing how women in sports are seen by the public, forcing us to confront what we expect from women athletes in terms of behavior, success, and representation.

The truth is, the stakes are higher than ever for these athletes. It’s not just about who wins the next game. It’s about who gets to define the future of the sport. And as this rivalry continues, one thing is clear—the women’s game will never be the same again.

CONCLUSION: THE SHOWDOWN THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

The Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry has escalated beyond a mere competition for victory on the court. It’s a battle for legacy, for cultural impact, and for control over how women in sports are represented. As these two athletes continue to rise, the debate over race, image, and power will only grow more intense.

Will Angel Reese’s silence in the interview rejection lead to greater empowerment in her role, or is it just fueling a narrative of resentment and jealousy? Will Caitlin Clark’s dominance in the sport allow her to rise above the drama, or will she be consumed by the ongoing rivalry?

One thing is certain: this isn’t just basketball anymore. The Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry is shaping the future of women’s sports—and the world is watching.