Just days after the 2025 NCAA Final Four, LSU basketball star Angel Reese has once again found herself at the center of public controversy. The reason? A cryptic and controversial social media post following reports that this year’s Final Four viewership plummeted by 71% compared to 2024—a staggering loss of over 10 million viewers after Caitlin Clark’s departure from college basketball.
Reese posted a message that quickly went viral: “Where were those little girls when no one on the court looked like them anymore?” Many interpreted this as a veiled accusation toward young white fans—those who once passionately supported Caitlin Clark but seemed disinterested in this year’s tournament without her.
What Really Caused the Drop in Viewership?
In 2024, the NCAA Women’s Final Four shattered viewership records, largely thanks to Caitlin Clark’s star power. Her games captivated not only basketball fans but the general public, bringing women’s college basketball to new heights of visibility.
However, in 2025, with Clark having moved on to the WNBA, the tournament’s viewership numbers crashed—dropping to fewer than 4 million. The decline left many wondering whether the excitement was tied to Clark alone.
Was Reese Right—or Pointing Fingers the Wrong Way?
Reese’s post immediately divided public opinion. Some supported her, claiming racial bias does exist in sports media and fan attention, where Black athletes often don’t receive the same spotlight despite their talent.
But the majority of responses criticized Reese, saying she was “playing the race card” unfairly. They argued the dip in viewership had little to do with race and everything to do with Clark being a once-in-a-generation talent.
One user wrote, “Don’t blame little girls for loving a superstar. Clark is special—just like Serena or Kobe. She draws fans because she’s phenomenal, not because she’s white.”
Reaction from the Basketball Community
Many analysts believe this is a wake-up call for NCAA women’s basketball—not to blame fans or make it about race, but to find and develop new stars who can carry the momentum forward. Angel Reese is undoubtedly one of the league’s biggest personalities, and she has the potential to lead. But statements like this risk overshadowing her abilities on the court.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark—without saying a word—continues to dominate headlines and rack up followers in her WNBA debut.
Maybe it’s time to stop dissecting why fans show up or walk away. Instead, let’s focus on what matters most: athletes inspiring the next generation, giving their best, and growing the game together—regardless of race or reputation.
