Caitlyn Clark vs. Angel Reese: The WNBA’s Battle for Star Power

The WNBA, for years, has fought for recognition in the sports world, constantly striving to prove that women’s basketball has the same level of excitement and competitiveness as men’s leagues. But in recent months, one name has changed the game in ways no one saw coming: Caitlyn Clark. The way Clark has dominated both on and off the court is turning heads across the nation, leaving some to wonder if her rise is overshadowing others, particularly Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed star of women’s basketball. What’s become clear is that Clark isn’t just a player—she’s the face of the league.

The Rise of Caitlyn Clark

Caitlyn Clark’s debut in the WNBA has sent shockwaves through the sports industry, and not just within women’s basketball. When Clark played her preseason game at Carver Hawkeye Arena, over 15,000 fans packed the venue, selling out tickets faster than most NBA games do. It was a phenomenon. The seats, which were priced around $650, were gone in a matter of minutes. As if that wasn’t enough, some tickets for resale reached as high as $6,000. For a preseason game. Yes, you read that right. A WNBA preseason game outdrew NHL playoffs and NBA preseason matchups, an unprecedented feat that left the rest of the sports world in awe.

But what really sets Caitlyn Clark apart isn’t just her ability to fill arenas. It’s her undeniable influence over the sport itself. Her impact on the WNBA is immeasurable. As Clark steps onto the court, the stadiums light up, the TV ratings skyrocket, and fans flock to see what she will do next. Every game she plays in has become a must-watch event, setting records for attendance and viewership across the board. Her recent preseason debut garnered a staggering 1.3 million viewers—numbers that beat even the most anticipated sports broadcasts, including NBA preseason games.

The Contrast with Angel Reese

Enter Angel Reese, the star of LSU and a player who has been embroiled in controversy for her claims of being the key driver behind the growth of women’s basketball. Last year, Reese boldly declared, “People watch women’s basketball because of me too,” positioning herself as the primary draw of the WNBA. But her recent homecoming game in Baton Rouge, where she was supposed to be the hero returning to a stadium full of adoring fans, fell flat. Despite all the attention she’s garnered, the reality of her stardom is becoming clearer: Angel Reese’s popularity doesn’t compare to Caitlyn Clark’s.

The evidence is overwhelming. When Reese returned to LSU for her preseason game, the turnout was shockingly poor. The arena, which holds 13,000 people, was barely half full, with only 6,300 fans attending the game. And this wasn’t a random off-day for LSU basketball; this was Reese’s highly anticipated homecoming, where the entire LSU fanbase was supposed to come out to support their champion. Instead, the empty seats told a different story. What’s worse, tickets for the game were sold for as low as $15, and yet they couldn’t even fill the lower bowl of the arena.

In contrast, Caitlyn Clark’s preseason game sold out in 27 minutes, with 15,000 fans filling Carver Hawkeye Arena to watch her in action. The atmosphere was electric, and the demand for tickets was so high that people were paying exorbitant prices on resale sites just to see her play. The difference in fan response between these two players could not be starker.

The Backlash and Reese’s Defensive Post

Despite the glaring evidence that Reese isn’t the draw she claims to be, the debate around her and Clark continues. Reese’s mother took to social media to defend her daughter, slamming the media and fans for focusing on the empty seats at LSU while ignoring her daughter’s achievements. The post was filled with defensive language, attacking Caitlyn Clark’s supporters and framing them as “haters” of Angel Reese. But rather than silencing the critics, it only fueled the fire.

Reese’s fans quickly jumped to her defense, claiming that the attention on the empty arena was a concerted effort to undermine her success. But let’s be honest—if Reese were truly the star she claimed to be, the fans would have shown up. The numbers simply don’t lie. Reese may have millions of followers on social media, but when it comes to actual basketball games, those followers don’t translate into real-world support.

Caitlyn Clark: The Real Face of the WNBA

While Angel Reese has spent time attacking her critics on social media, Caitlyn Clark has remained focused on what matters: playing basketball. Clark doesn’t need to defend her popularity because the numbers are doing it for her. She’s the reason WNBA games are getting national attention, and her jersey is one of the top sellers in all of basketball. Clark’s ability to draw fans from all over the country, regardless of their affiliation with her team, speaks to her genuine star power.

Clark is the player who has transformed women’s basketball from a niche sport to a mainstream spectacle. With every game she plays, she brings more eyes to the sport, breaking records and paving the way for future generations of athletes. Her game is undeniable, and her influence over the WNBA’s growth is unparalleled.

The Real Winner

When we look at the larger picture, it’s clear that the WNBA has found its true star in Caitlyn Clark. Her ability to not only fill arenas but also capture the public’s attention through her performance on the court has made her the face of the league. Reese, on the other hand, continues to rely on social media hype and defensive rhetoric rather than on-court accomplishments.

In the end, Angel Reese’s claims of being the reason people watch women’s basketball have been exposed as nothing more than empty boasts. The fans have spoken, and the numbers don’t lie. Caitlyn Clark is the driving force behind the current wave of popularity in women’s basketball, and her impact is only growing.

As the WNBA season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Reese can prove that she’s more than just a social media star or if she will continue to fade into the background while Clark and the Fever shine bright.