Michael Jordan Questions Angel Reese’s All-Star Snub: “Is It Because She’s a Black Woman?”

In a bold and emotionally charged statement, NBA legend Michael Jordan has publicly questioned the WNBA’s All-Star selection process after rookie sensation Angel Reese was left off the initial 2025 All-Star roster. Jordan’s comments have sparked widespread debate and ignited a growing movement among NBA players and fans alike demanding that Reese be added to the event.

“I see myself in Angel Reese,” Jordan reportedly said during a sit-down interview with a national broadcaster. “Her fire, her energy, her toughness—she reminds me of who I was on the court. And yet she’s not being recognized for it. With the level she’s playing at, you have to ask the hard question: Is she being overlooked because she’s a Black woman?”

Jordan’s statement has since reverberated throughout the sports world, with many praising his willingness to address what others only whispered. His remarks have also added significant weight to the growing scrutiny over how the WNBA selects its All-Star representatives.

Reese’s Rising Stardom

Angel Reese, who plays for the Chicago Sky, has been one of the most talked-about players in the league this season—not only for her statistics, but for her leadership, rebounding dominance, and competitive edge. She has posted multiple double-doubles, and her fierce rivalry with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark has kept the league in headlines for weeks.

Despite her strong on-court performance and rising popularity, Reese was left out of the initial All-Star roster. The spot many believed should have gone to her went instead to Clark, who—though a breakout media figure—has faced injury challenges and up-and-down performances in recent games.

A Movement Gathers Steam

Following Jordan’s comments, a wave of support for Angel Reese’s inclusion in the All-Star Game swept across social media and even entered NBA locker rooms. Prominent players including LeBron James, Damian Lillard, and Chris Paul reportedly voiced support for Jordan’s stance privately, with several liking or reposting quotes from the interview online.

The hashtag #ReeseDeservesIt began trending on Twitter/X, and petitions calling for Reese’s inclusion in the All-Star roster quickly gained traction. “She’s earned it. The stats, the intensity, the viewership boost—what else does she need to prove?” one viral tweet read.

Even beyond sports, figures from entertainment and media have weighed in. Actress and activist Viola Davis wrote: “Let’s stop pretending meritocracy exists when it only applies to some. Angel Reese IS an All-Star.”

A Spotlight on Bias?

Jordan’s remarks have fueled a renewed conversation around equity in women’s sports. For years, critics have pointed out the unequal attention given to Black female athletes in comparison to their white counterparts, even when the performance metrics favor the former. Jordan’s direct questioning of whether race played a role in Reese’s exclusion has brought that discussion back to the forefront.

“Jordan didn’t just stand up for Angel Reese—he exposed a deeper flaw in how we celebrate talent in this country,” said one sports commentator on ESPN’s First Take. “It’s uncomfortable. But it’s necessary.”

WNBA Yet to Respond

As of publication, the WNBA has not issued an official statement regarding Jordan’s remarks or the growing calls to reconsider Reese’s exclusion. The league is expected to finalize fan and coach votes in the coming days, and late roster changes are not unprecedented.

For now, Angel Reese has remained quiet, though she did repost a quote from Jordan’s interview on her Instagram story, adding a simple caption: “Loud and clear.”

What Happens Next?

If the movement continues to grow, the WNBA may face pressure to revisit the selection process or offer Reese a wildcard spot. With the All-Star Game approaching fast, the question is no longer just about one player—it’s about what the league stands for, and who gets to represent it on its biggest stage.

Michael Jordan’s voice may have just shifted that conversation forever.

SEE MORE: Skip Bayless offers ‘painfully honest’ analysis of Caitlin Clark shooting slump

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is in the slump of her life. After scoring a career-best 25 points in the first half of her return game against the New York Liberty on June 1 (32 points on 7/14 three-point shooting overall) and shooting 4/6 from three against the Connecticut Sun, the Iowa product is just 1/23 from deep over her past three games.

Sports personality Skip Bayless has been one of Clark’s biggest supporters dating back to her Iowa days. However, he chose to discuss her slump on Friday.

“I’ve raved and raved and raved about her, but now I’ve got to be honest,” Bayless said. “She is officially into a deep, deep three-point shooting slump. It’s the worst three-point shooting stretch in WNBA history. She’s over three games, one for her last 23 from three. It’s just getting hard to watch.”

Following her 0/6 performance on Tuesday, she missed the Fever’s next game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday with a groin injury. She’ll now miss Friday night’s game against the Dallas Wings.

“Looking at Caitlin’s impact, she has plummeted to 55th of 61 qualified three-point shooters in the WNBA,” Bayless said. “She’s at 29.5%. That is horrendously bad. She is tied for the league lead in assists per game, no surprise there. But, she is running away with the turnover lead. She actually has five more total turnovers than Angel Reese, who is second.”

Even though she’s been in a deep struggle, Clark remains the leading vote-getter for the upcoming WNBA All-Star game. Head coach Stephanie White gave an update on her health Thursday.

“I think it’s very much a day-to-day thing with how she responds to treatment. I stay in my lane and let our strength and conditioning and our athletic training staff do what they do best. But yeah, found out late last night and we’ll treat it day-to-day.”

As noted, Clark will not play in Indiana’s game against the Wings Friday night, making it two in a row. Her absences are starting to pile up for a Fever team that sits at a 7-8 record, good for ninth among all WNBA teams.

“It just seems like great shooters don’t go through these kind of prolonged slumps,” Bayless said. “Even though it’s just three games, it’s devastatingly wrong and bad. I’m sure some of the veteran stars that have criticized her are shrugging and saying ‘told you,’ When they should be rooting like mad for her to snap out of her slump.”