Dave Portnoy Finally Reveals the Real Reason He Went After Angel Reese

Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s most talked-about stars, has become a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Among her most vocal critics is Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, whose blunt opinions have ignited debates across sports media. Portnoy’s journey from calling Reese “classless” to acknowledging her business acumen highlights the multifaceted nature of her public persona—and the passionate reactions she inspires.

Portnoy’s dislike for Reese traces back to the high-profile NCAA championship showdown between LSU and Iowa. As the game ended, Reese famously taunted Iowa’s Caitlin Clark with the “You Can’t See Me” gesture and a ring celebration, moves that quickly went viral.

“I started hating Angel in the ring game,” Portnoy explained on Rachel DeMita’s “Courtside Club” podcast. “When she was going around doing that, and I called her a classless piece of s—t that got transformed to, ‘Dave’s racist.’ I didn’t even know who she was. I don’t care who did that. I was rooting for Caitlin.”

Portnoy insisted that his reaction was rooted in fandom, not personal animosity or bias. He likened his dislike for Reese to his long-standing rivalry with Peyton Manning, born from his loyalty to Tom Brady. In his view, Reese’s post-game antics crossed a line he hadn’t seen before in women’s basketball, cementing his negative opinion.

Portnoy’s comments sparked controversy, with some accusing him of a double standard and others defending his right to call out unsportsmanlike behavior. He pushed back against claims that Caitlin Clark had acted similarly before the tournament, challenging pundits like Stephen A. Smith.

This episode underscored the polarized reactions to Reese’s competitive personality. For some, her confidence and swagger are refreshing; for others, they’re a breach of sportsmanship.

Despite his criticisms of Reese’s on-court demeanor, Portnoy has publicly praised her entrepreneurial instincts. He was particularly impressed by the trademarking of “Mebounds”—a nickname originally used online to poke fun at Reese’s tendency to rebound her own missed shots. Instead of shying away, Reese embraced the moniker, using it as the name for her signature Reebok shoe, which quickly sold out.

Reebok’s revitalization, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson, has benefited from Reese’s star power and business sense. Portnoy, whose own business dealings include selling Barstool Sports for $551 million and buying it back for just $1, recognizes the importance of turning internet culture into branding gold.

Reese’s tenure with the Chicago Sky has been marked by both promise and controversy. After another tough season ending with a 10-34 record, Reese criticized the franchise in an interview, claiming the team hadn’t done enough to attract free agents. The comments led to a half-game suspension and an apology from Reese to her teammates.

Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca told ESPN that Reese isn’t available for trade—at least for now. Despite the drama, Reese remains a valuable asset, both for her on-court talent and her off-court marketability.

Angel Reese’s story is a testament to the complexities of modern sports stardom. Her unapologetic style divides fans, but her business moves and branding prowess are undeniable. Critics like Dave Portnoy may question her sportsmanship, but even they can’t ignore her impact on the game and the marketplace.

As Reese continues to break barriers—whether on the court, in the fashion world, or in business—her journey will remain one of the most compelling narratives in women’s sports.

Angel Reese’s legacy is still being written, shaped by both her critics and her champions. In the world of sports and beyond, she’s proving that controversy and charisma can coexist—and that success comes in many forms.