Angel Reese GOES OFF After WNBA Ratings and Ticket Prices Plummet Without Caitlin Clark (an)

Tension is boiling over in the WNBA — and Angel Reese is no longer holding back. In a fiery post-game interview and a string of blunt social media posts, Reese sounded off after learning that both WNBA ratings and ticket prices dropped sharply during games where Caitlin Clark was not playing.

The rookie star for the Chicago Sky, who has been at the center of media attention since her LSU days, made one thing clear: the league needs to have a serious conversation about who’s driving the business — and who’s being left behind.

“You see the numbers. Y’all see what’s happening,” Reese said, visibly frustrated. “When Caitlin plays, the world watches. When she’s not there, it’s crickets. That’s not hate. That’s just facts.”

Reese’s comments came after multiple WNBA games without Clark saw steep dips in attendance, media coverage, and online engagement. Several matchups played in large arenas had thousands of empty seats. Meanwhile, games featuring Clark and the Indiana Fever continued to set records — with resale ticket prices surging into the hundreds of dollars.

“Look, I respect what she’s doing,” Reese continued. “She’s bringing eyes to the league. But don’t act like it’s just one person out here grinding. We’re all working. We’re all trying to grow this thing.”

This isn’t the first time Reese has voiced frustration about media narratives surrounding Caitlin Clark. The two have a high-profile rivalry that dates back to their college battles in the NCAA tournament. While Reese has praised Clark’s talent in the past, she’s also called out what she sees as double standards in how players are treated — particularly women of color.

“When I show emotion, I’m labeled one way. When someone else does it, it’s ‘passion’ and ‘leadership,’” Reese said. “We all want the league to grow, but respect needs to be equal.”

The numbers speak volumes. ESPN and ABC reported their highest-rated WNBA games in two decades — all featuring Caitlin Clark. Social media clips of her highlights dominate timelines. Merch with her name is flying off the shelves. And most telling of all, her games are often the only ones broadcast in primetime.

For Reese and others, it’s a complicated reality. The league is finally getting mainstream attention, but much of it is centered on one player.

“It’s not jealousy. It’s about equity,” Reese said. “If Caitlin’s bringing people in, that’s amazing. But once they’re here, show them the whole league. Show them me. Show them A’ja. Show them Sabrina. We’ve all got a story.”

The drop in ratings for non-Clark games has reignited a larger debate about the WNBA’s marketing strategy. Critics argue the league has leaned too heavily on one player to carry its public image, while others believe Clark is simply the spark the league has always needed.

“We’ve been fighting for visibility for years,” Reese said. “Now that it’s here, don’t waste it. Build all of us up.”

Fans online have been divided. Some praised Reese for speaking out, calling her a “voice of reason” in a media landscape obsessed with Clark. Others accused her of stirring drama and downplaying Clark’s impact.

Regardless of the controversy, one thing is undeniable: Angel Reese’s voice is loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.

“She’s doing her thing. I’m doing mine. But if the league wants to keep growing, it needs more than one star. And that means investing in all of us,” Reese said to close her interview.

As the WNBA’s spotlight continues to intensify, so does the conversation about who gets to stand in it. With rising stars like Reese refusing to stay silent, the future of the league might depend not only on talent — but on truth.