Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark: The Unspoken Rivalry That Continues to Define the WNBA

August 8, 2025 | By [Author Name]

Whether you love her or hate her, Angel Reese has become an undeniable force in the WNBA. Since joining the Chicago Sky in 2024, the 23-year-old forward has continued to draw massive attention on and off the court — and much of that spotlight still shines brighter when her name is mentioned alongside her longtime on-court rival: Caitlin Clark.

While their careers have followed different trajectories, one thing remains consistent — Reese and Clark have been linked since their college days, and that connection still defines many narratives in the WNBA today.

Angel Reese’s Sophomore Season: Growth Amid Struggles

Coming off a rookie campaign cut short by a wrist injury, many questioned how Reese would bounce back. She entered her second year in the league with a chip on her shoulder and something to prove.

And prove it she has.

Through 22 games in the 2025 season, Reese is averaging:

13.8 points

12.5 rebounds (among the best in the league)

3.7 assists

1.4 steals

She’s become a cornerstone for the Chicago Sky — a consistent double-double machine, capable defender, and emotional leader.

But the season hasn’t been without setbacks. Reese has recently missed several games due to a lingering back injury, and Sky head coach Tyler Marsh admitted they’re managing her minutes carefully.

“We’re not going to push her too hard,” Marsh said earlier this week. “She’s improving, but we’re keeping her status day-to-day.”

Still, even while sidelined, Reese remains a central figure in league headlines. Why? Because the shadow of Caitlin Clark is never too far away.

The Rivalry That Won’t Go Away

Reese and Clark first met as college standouts — and the rest is women’s basketball history.

In the 2023 NCAA National Championship, Reese led LSU past Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in a dramatic, emotionally charged matchup. Reese’s now-iconic “You can’t see me” gesture sparked debates and became one of the most viral sports moments of the decade.

In 2024, Clark and Iowa got their revenge, knocking LSU out in the Elite Eight, with Clark delivering another jaw-dropping performance.

Now both players are in the WNBA — and their rivalry has quietly morphed into something more nuanced. While they don’t exchange trash talk as often, the comparison is constant. Stats, endorsements, media coverage, even fan attention — every aspect of their careers is measured side-by-side.

And in that comparison, Clark appears to have the edge — at least for now.

Ice Cube’s Comments Underscore the Divide

Recently, the sports world was reminded just how stark the difference in public perception between Reese and Clark really is.

TMZ Sports caught up with Ice Cube, co-founder of the Big3 basketball league, to ask if he would consider offering Angel Reese the same type of deal he offered Caitlin Clark in 2024 — a rumored $5 million contract to play in his 3-on-3 league.

Clark, at the time, declined the offer.

When asked about Reese, Ice Cube didn’t sugarcoat his response:

“Yeah, she’s a great player. But the Caitlin Clark thing — that was all about bringing millions of eyeballs to the league. That’s what sponsors told us. And, they’re not telling us the same thing about Angel Reese… so I don’t know if we’d make the same kind of offer.”

The comment set social media ablaze.

Fans defended Reese, saying the disrespect was unwarranted. Others argued that Ice Cube was simply telling a hard truth about market value, mainstream appeal, and branding.

Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: Angel Reese’s road is tougher.

Different Styles, Different Spotlight

Part of what fuels the Reese-Clark rivalry is their starkly different personas:

Caitlin Clark is often framed as the clean-cut, hard-working shooter — a Steph Curry-type figure with record-breaking numbers and a corporate-friendly image.

Angel Reese, on the other hand, is brash, unapologetic, fashion-forward, and fiercely loyal to her roots. She speaks her mind, embraces emotion, and isn’t afraid to clap back at critics.

These differences have led to polarizing opinions from fans, commentators, and brands alike. Clark’s rise has been met with massive endorsements, mainstream media praise, and even protection from critics. Reese, meanwhile, has faced constant criticism — for her attitude, her interviews, her style, and even her celebrations.

But she’s also built a loyal following who love her precisely because she refuses to conform.

Reese Still Delivering On-Court

Despite the disparity in media coverage, Reese has quietly become one of the most productive forwards in the WNBA.

She ranks among the league’s top rebounders, and her physical presence in the paint is unmatched for someone only in her second year. Her hustle, intensity, and nose for the ball make her a matchup nightmare for most teams.

She may not be scoring 25 points a night like Clark, but her impact is undeniable.

And with Chicago struggling this season, her leadership has been one of the few bright spots.

The Burden of Comparison

Reese has made it clear in past interviews that she doesn’t mind being linked to Clark. In fact, she sees it as a sign of respect.

“People don’t compare you to someone unless you’re both doing something special,” she said in a post-game interview earlier this season. “I respect Caitlin. We’re both doing our thing.”

But respect doesn’t erase the emotional toll of always being cast in someone else’s narrative. Every game she plays, every stat she posts, every interview she gives — it’s all filtered through the lens of “How does this compare to Caitlin Clark?”

That can be exhausting. And yet, Reese keeps showing up, keeps producing, and keeps competing.

What Comes Next for Reese?

As the WNBA season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on Reese’s recovery and return to form. If she can get healthy and help the Sky finish strong, she may silence some of the noise.

But the reality is, Reese’s path to greatness is going to be more rugged than most.

She’s not the media darling.
She’s not the endorsement queen.
She’s not always going to be celebrated.

But what she is, is one of the toughest, most resilient players in the league — and that, in the long run, may earn her something more meaningful than hype: legacy.

Final Thoughts

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark may have started in college, but it now defines a generation of women’s basketball.

Clark may have the spotlight.
But Reese has the grit.

And while the world debates who’s better, more likable, or more marketable — Angel Reese is quietly building a career that can’t be ignored.

The journey hasn’t been easy.
The comparisons won’t stop.
But the story is far from over