“She looked me in the eye and said, ‘It’s her or me’” — Brittney Griner and Angel Reese issue SHOCK ultimatum to WNBA over Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham after explosive on-court CLASH shakes league to its core

Tempers boiled over during a recent matchup that left players, fans, and executives reeling. Brittney Griner and Angel Reese are now threatening to walk away from the WNBA altogether—unless Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham are permanently removed from the league. The demand follows a chaotic confrontation that reportedly turned physical, with screaming, shoving, and post-game accusations of targeted disrespect. Did lines get crossed too far? Or is this a deeper rift about favoritism, power, and race in women’s sports?

Find out how the WNBA’s top exec responded—and what it could mean for the future of the league.

The claim that Griner and Reese threatened to exit the WNBA stems from unverified reports circulating online, with no official statements from either player confirming such a stance. Griner, playing for the Atlanta Dream, and Reese, with the Chicago Sky, have been vocal about league dynamics in the past. Griner’s frustration with officiating is well-documented; she recently interrupted a live interview to demand referees “be f***ing better” after a game. Reese, meanwhile, has clashed with Clark before, their rivalry dating back to college. Some sources suggest their discontent may tie to broader issues, including perceived inconsistent officiating and the spotlight on Clark, whose popularity has surged since her NCAA record-breaking days at Iowa. Clark’s defenders, including Cunningham, have gained fan support, with Cunningham’s jersey selling out post-incident, signaling her role as a protector of her teammate.

The WNBA’s CEO, Cathy Engelbert, addressed the incident, emphasizing the league’s commitment to player safety and fair play. While specific details of her decision remain undisclosed, the league’s actions—fines but no bans—suggest a focus on de-escalation rather than severe punishment. Critics, including Fever coach Stephanie White, argue that officiating failures contributed to the melee, with White noting, “When officials don’t control the game, this is what happens.” Sun coach Rachid Meziane called Cunningham’s foul “stupid” and “disrespectful,” while fans remain divided. Some praise Cunningham’s loyalty to Clark, while others, via a small Change.org petition, demand her removal from the league for compromising player safety.

This incident highlights deeper tensions within the WNBA, including debates over physicality, officiating, and the cultural dynamics surrounding stars like Clark. The league’s investigation into unrelated allegations, such as racist remarks toward Reese, underscores its efforts to address broader issues. Yet, without concrete evidence of Griner and Reese’s threats, the narrative remains speculative. As the WNBA navigates its growing popularity, fueled by players like Clark, ensuring consistent officiating and player accountability will be crucial to maintaining its integrity and fanbase.

According to eyewitness accounts and footage circulating online, the incident began when Sophie Cunningham appeared to deliver a hard foul on Angel Reese during the third quarter. Words were exchanged, and Caitlin Clark — known for her competitive fire — was seen stepping into the confrontation. Brittney Griner, who was on the bench at the time, rushed to intervene, but the situation escalated quickly, prompting officials to halt the game temporarily.

In the aftermath, Griner and Reese took to their respective platforms, releasing a joint statement demanding disciplinary action. “The integrity of the WNBA is at stake,” the statement read. “If players who provoke violence and disrespect remain in this league, then we cannot continue to be part of it. We are calling for the immediate banning of Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark.”

The dramatic demand has deeply divided fans and analysts. While some support Griner and Reese’s stance against what they perceive as unchecked aggression, others believe the ultimatum goes too far, especially considering Caitlin Clark’s popularity and Cunningham’s role as a seasoned competitor.

In response to the uproar, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released an official statement late last night. “The league takes all incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct seriously,” Engelbert said. “After a thorough review of game footage, referee reports, and player interviews, the WNBA has decided not to issue bans to any players involved. However, fines and suspensions will be issued based on the severity of individual actions during the incident.”

She concluded with a call for unity: “Our league is stronger when diverse voices and fierce competition are respected. We will continue to foster an environment that upholds the values of sportsmanship, equity, and mutual respect.”

Whether Griner and Reese will follow through with their threat remains to be seen, but this latest controversy marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA — one that could reshape the future of its culture, leadership, and star power.