Want to see the exact moment Angel Reese of WNBA Chicago Sky marketing stunt backfired?
Picture this: she drops her shoe campaign right in the middle of WNBA all-star weekend. The problem?
Caitlin Clark gets injured, ticket prices plummet 48%, and suddenly Reese’s whole campaign looks like she’s trying to capitalize on an empty stage.
The numbers don’t lie—when Clark’s out, nobody cares about the theatrics.
What was billed as a defining moment for the WNBA turned into a marketing misfire — and Angel Reese is right in the center of the blowback.
A Weekend Meant for a Showdown
The WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis was supposed to be a blockbuster: Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese. The story practically wrote itself. Two of the league’s biggest names, a packed arena, and a national spotlight. But just days before the event, Caitlin Clark announced she would sit out due to a re-aggravated groin injury. What followed was a rapid unraveling of hype and expectations.
The Campaign That Fell Flat
As Clark bowed out, Reese doubled down. Her marketing team launched a full-scale promotional campaign in the heart of Clark’s turf: Indianapolis. With billboards and social media posts declaring, “I’m in your city,” and Reebok rolling out her signature shoe, Reese looked to claim the spotlight. But instead of applause, many fans and analysts saw opportunism.
With ticket prices dropping by 48% after Clark’s injury, the numbers made one thing clear: fans weren’t coming for the theatrics — they were coming for Clark. Without her, Reese’s campaign looked like a swing at a ghost.
“Fake Rivalry” Narrative Grows
Critics pointed out that this so-called rivalry has largely been one-sided, with Reese consistently bringing up Clark in interviews, promos, and even her podcast. Clark, meanwhile, has mostly stayed silent. The WNBA saw a chance to build a WWE-style rivalry for attention, but fans quickly picked up on the imbalance.
Reese’s now-viral promo using the phrase “Walk in your trap, take over your trap” felt hollow with Clark sidelined. Social media reactions ranged from amused to disappointed, with many accusing Reese of trying to capitalize on the absence of her biggest competitor.
Economic Fallout Proves Clark’s Value
The real sting came from the economic data. Ticket resale platforms showed All-Star Game prices fell from $121 to just $64 after Clark’s withdrawal. Local businesses, restaurants, and hotels all felt the ripple effect. Fans who had booked travel specifically to see Clark in action expressed frustration — and some canceled their plans entirely.
Reese’s marketing efforts, however bold, couldn’t salvage the momentum. In fact, they may have made things worse by drawing more attention to Clark’s absence and further highlighting the one-sided nature of their dynamic.
Players Protest — Poor Timing?
Adding to the weekend’s controversy, several WNBA players wore shirts reading “Pay us what you owe us” during warmups, demanding higher compensation. While valid in message, the optics were unfortunate. Fans had just watched the event lose nearly half its value in real-time, and the demands felt poorly timed.
Even as the league eyes a major TV rights deal and growing public interest, this weekend proved how fragile that growth can be — especially when it’s so heavily tied to one superstar.
Conclusion: Clark Is the Show
The weekend was meant to elevate women’s basketball. Instead, it reminded everyone how crucial Caitlin Clark is to the league’s momentum. Angel Reese may have attempted a power move, but without her main rival in the building, it landed with a thud.
The rivalry feels forced. The campaign looked opportunistic. And the numbers spoke volumes. If anything, this All-Star Weekend proved that while Angel Reese is a rising star, Caitlin Clark is still the main event.
