Angel Reese Faces Tough Questions as Caitlin Clark’s Star Power Dominates the WNBA

The world of women’s basketball is experiencing a seismic shift, and at the center of it are two of the sport’s most talked-about rookies: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Yet, as the 2025 WNBA season tips off, a viral press conference moment has thrust Reese into the spotlight for reasons she’d rather avoid—and underscored just how wide the gap has become between her and Clark in terms of impact, popularity, and star power.

The Clip That Won’t Go Away

It started with a bold statement. After LSU’s 2023 national championship, Angel Reese declared, “People watch women’s basketball because of me too.” The comment was a shot across the bow in the ongoing narrative that women’s basketball’s meteoric rise in viewership was about more than just one superstar. Reese, never shy about her role as a disruptor and a “villain,” embraced the attention and the controversy.

But as the WNBA’s new season dawned, a Chicago Sky reporter asked Reese if she still stood by those words. Her response? Just two words: “Next question.” The awkward silence in the room spoke volumes. There was no follow-up, no defense, no evidence—just a quick pivot away from the uncomfortable truth.

Numbers Don’t Lie

While Reese can lay claim to an undeniable role in the growing popularity of women’s basketball, the numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore. Last season, the Chicago Sky averaged just 8,000 fans per home game. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever—Clark’s team—packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse with over 17,000 fans every night, selling out every game. When the Fever hit the road, opposing teams moved games to larger NBA arenas just to accommodate the Clark-fueled demand.

The contrast is even starker when you look at preseason homecomings. Reese’s return to LSU drew just 6,000 fans to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, which holds over 13,000. By comparison, Clark’s homecoming at Carver-Hawkeye Arena sold out all 15,000 seats in just 45 minutes, with more than 1.3 million viewers tuning in on TV to watch her professional debut.

Clark’s jersey sales are second only to Steph Curry’s in all of basketball, outpacing NBA legends like LeBron James. Angel Reese’s name is nowhere near the top 10. And when it comes to TV, the Fever are slated for 41 nationally televised games—more than the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s flagship franchises.

The Reality Check

Reese’s claim that she is a primary driver of women’s basketball viewership has been met with skepticism, especially now that the receipts are in. While her brash confidence and willingness to play the “bad guy” have made her a compelling figure, the hard data shows that Clark is the engine behind the WNBA’s current surge in popularity.

Ticket prices for Clark’s preseason games average over $600—a figure that would make even NBA teams jealous. Merchandise featuring Clark’s name and number is flying off the shelves, and every Indiana Fever game, home or away, is a marquee event.

Meanwhile, Reese’s Sky games have struggled to fill even half the seats in their home arena. Her preseason appearances have drawn crowds typical for any WNBA game, not the frenzied sellouts Clark brings wherever she goes.

Organizational Commitment and Strategy

The difference isn’t just about the players themselves—it’s about how their teams have responded. The Indiana Fever have gone all-in, surrounding Clark with veteran talent, upgrading facilities, and building an entire marketing strategy around her. The result? The Fever have transformed from perennial lottery regulars into the WNBA’s most talked-about franchise in just one year.

The Chicago Sky, on the other hand, seem less certain about how to build around Reese. Without a clear vision or aggressive roster moves, they risk missing out on the momentum that a transcendent star can bring.

A Lesson in Star Power

The viral “next question” moment was more than just an uncomfortable exchange—it was a reality check. In sports, as in life, some people talk about greatness while others let their results speak for themselves. Angel Reese’s confidence and charisma have made her a star, but the numbers show that Caitlin Clark is the one truly transforming women’s basketball.

As the season unfolds, the story will be told in ticket sales, TV ratings, and jersey numbers. Clark’s Fever are poised to dominate national television, playing in packed arenas. Reese, meanwhile, faces the challenge of backing up her bold claims with results on and off the court.

The Bottom Line

The facts are clear: Caitlin Clark is the driving force behind the WNBA’s current popularity boom. She doesn’t need to remind anyone why fans are watching—her impact is measurable, visible, and historic. Angel Reese may have started a conversation, but Clark is finishing it with sold-out arenas, record-breaking sales, and a league that’s finally ready for its close-up.

Some athletes talk about being the draw. Others simply are.

If you’re team Clark, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the show. The revolution is being televised—and it’s Caitlin Clark who’s changing the channel.

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