Angel Reese and the WNBA All-Star Voting: A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Basketball

The results of the 2025 WNBA All-Star voting have revealed an undeniable truth about the difference between media hype and fan reality.

Despite receiving intense media promotion, Angel Reese failed to break into the top 10 of the All-Star voting, raising questions about how stars are built in women’s basketball.

Hype vs Reality

Angel Reese has become the focal point of the WNBA over the past few years thanks to aggressive marketing campaigns, interviews, and her presence in major media campaigns. However, the numbers don’t lie. While Reese has been heavily promoted through the media, her on-court performance has not lived up to the expectations set by all the buzz surrounding her.

Reese is one of the top rebounders in the league, but her shooting efficiency has been concerning. Reese has a field goal percentage of just 30.9%, one of the lowest marks among qualified WNBA players. For a post player, this is not just below average—it’s a red flag. Post players are expected to be efficient near the basket, taking high-percentage shots. Missing more than two-thirds of attempts right at the rim raises serious concerns about her all-star potential.

Angel Reese’s Position in the WNBA

When compared to players like Aaliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese’s lack of contributions outside of rebounding becomes even more evident. While Boston has a high shooting percentage and is a dominant force on both ends of the floor, Reese has struggled to expand her game beyond rebounding.

Caitlin Clark, who topped the fan vote with over 500,000 votes, has not only been a social media sensation but has also delivered incredible performances on the court, showing her versatility as a scorer and playmaker. Her all-around game and high-level performances have earned her the respect of fans and players alike.

The WNBA’s Star-Building Dilemma

This situation begs the question: How does the WNBA build its stars? While the league and major outlets have tried to promote Angel Reese as the face of the league, the reality is that fans are looking for players who perform on the court. Media promotion can only go so far, but when fans vote, they want to see players who deliver, not just those with the best social media presence.

The article in Forbes, which placed Reese at the center of the league’s growth, ignored the impact Caitlin Clark had on the league. The media tried to push the narrative that Reese was the driving force behind the WNBA’s rise, but the fan votes told a different story. Fans don’t just want a headline; they want to see the players who can back it up with consistent performances on the court.

Disconnect Between Media Hype and Fan Votes

The disparity between Angel Reese’s media hype and her actual fan support is startling. Despite all the media coverage and branding, Reese couldn’t crack the top 10 of the All-Star voting, whereas Caitlin Clark’s performance on the court earned her over 500,000 votes. This massive gap shows that the fans are not just buying into the media narrative; they are making their own decisions based on what they see on the court.

Even players like Aaliyah Boston, who garnered 447,000 votes, have been rewarded for their all-around performances, showing that fans value consistency and well-rounded skill sets. Boston’s ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game has earned her a loyal following, while Reese’s one-dimensional game is starting to show limitations.

What Went Wrong for Angel Reese?

For Angel Reese, not making the All-Star top 10 despite all the media promotion is a wake-up call. It highlights the difference between being a marketable personality and being an impactful player on the court. Reese has done a great job building her brand, but her performance on the court has not yet matched the hype. Her rebounding skills are impressive, but in today’s WNBA, teams need more than just one-dimensional players. Scoring, defense, and overall efficiency matter, and Reese has struggled in these areas.

Her shooting struggles, combined with her inability to contribute in other areas like passing or shot-blocking, have made it difficult for her to truly break through. Although she leads the league in rebounds, her offensive limitations are hard to overlook, and fans are noticing.

The All-Star Voting and What It Means

The All-Star voting results show that fans are paying attention to what happens on the court, not just the stories off the court. Caitlin Clark’s ability to deliver consistent performances night after night is what earned her the fan vote, while Reese’s popularity was largely built on her social media presence and media coverage. The gap between the hype and the reality is clear, and it sends a message to the WNBA that the fans value substance over spin.

Reese’s ranking of 13th place in the voting is a reflection of her performance, or lack thereof, on the court. While she has been a dominant force in rebounding, her struggles to score and her inefficient shooting have held her back. The numbers speak for themselves: she’s not ready to be an All-Star yet.

Conclusion

The All-Star voting results are a clear indicator that fans are not swayed by media hype alone. They want players who perform on the court, and Angel Reese still has work to do. The WNBA and the media need to take note: fans care about what happens on the court, not just the storylines off it.

Angel Reese’s place in the league is far from secure, and her struggle to crack the top 10 is a reminder that talent on the court matters more than the storylines we build around players. For Reese, it’s time to prove that she deserves the All-Star recognition—not just by the media, but by the fans.