Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy has finally responded to the wave of backlash from angry WNBA fans—particularly those upset with his longtime criticism of Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.

In the wake of a controversial WNBA season opener on May 17, 2025, featuring a rival matchup between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky, accusations emerged alleging that fans at the game hurled racist and derogatory remarks toward Reese. Portnoy, a vocal Caitlin Clark supporter who attended the game in person, has repeatedly dismissed those allegations as baseless and blamed online trolls and media sensationalism for inflaming the situation.

🔥 The Incident That Sparked It All

At the game in question—Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky—Caitlin Clark delivered a standout performance with a triple-double in a 93–58 blowout victory. The action was magnified by growing tensions between Clark and Reese, who had previously clashed during the 2023 NCAA title game.
RedditReddit+15Sportskeeda+15New York Post+15

Following a flagrant foul by Clark and some heated post-play exchange, rumors propagated online that Indiana fans had directed racist slurs at Reese. Soon, major sports outlets and commentators circulated the claims.
SportskeedaNew York Post

The WNBA launched an investigation that included video and audio review, interviews with fans and venue staff. Ultimately, the league stated it could not substantiate any allegations of racist or hateful misconduct.
TMSPN.com+2Fox News+2New York Post+2

Portnoy, who was in attendance, disputed the entire narrative. He asserted publicly that he heard no such remarks—calling the investigation a distraction from real issues—and described the whole situation as a media-fueled overreaction.
TMSPN.com+2Sportskeeda+2Fox News+2

🎙️ Portnoy’s X Posts & Public Statements

In the immediate aftermath, Portnoy posted a series of incendiary messages on X (formerly Twitter):

He lashed out at the WNBA and Indiana Fever, labeling the investigation “bulls‑‑‑t” and accusing them of giving legitimacy to “trolls.” He insisted that Fever fandom was unjustly tarnished.
“If I’m wrong I’ll apologize… but I’m 100% right,” he said.
SI+10Sportskeeda+10Fox News+10

In another post, Portnoy called league officials “f***ing morons,” contending that they manufactured a racial controversy based on social media noise from people who weren’t even at the game.
TMSPN.com+1Fox News+1

He framed the narrative as one orchestrated by anti‑Clark trolls targeting Caitlin’s reputation.
Sportskeeda+3Sportskeeda+3TMSPN.com+3

In follow-up appearances, Portnoy made even bolder claims, including suggesting that Clark’s star power is sufficient that she could launch her own league and potentially put the WNBA out of business within two years.
Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+15TMSPN.com+15Talksport+15

On Angel Reese

Portnoy has consistently disparaged Reese, often characterizing her as a provocateur:

He has called her “classless,” accused her of instigating tension, and claimed she’s jealous of Caitlin Clark.
Sportskeeda+4Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+4Reddit+4

He urged Clark fans to “hate” Reese, equating such animosity to sporting rivalry.
SI+1Talksport+1

📺 The StudBudz Episode: Portnoy on the Twitch Show

On July 19, 2025, Portnoy publicly praised Minnesota Lynx guards Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman—also known as StudBudz—calling their 72‑hour WNBA All‑Star Twitch livestream transformative for league exposure. He said it produced more marketing value than the league had delivered since its inception.
SITalksport

Responsively, Williams and Hiedeman—despite widespread fan backlash—invited Portnoy onto their show. On their July 23 stream, they confirmed they planned to directly ask him to explain why he talks about Angel Reese the way he does.

“We’re gonna ask him, ‘Why are you talking about Angel like that?’ Because we love her, bad.”
SI+5SI+5Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+5

Portnoy accepted. On their show, he defended the StudBudz for having the courage to host him, and reinforced the notion that many WNBA fans dislike him because of loyalty to Reese and opposition to Caitlin Clark.
Reddit+15SI+15Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+15

He also shared frustration with the vitriol directed at them simply for giving him a platform:

“People are big mad at Studbudz just cause we talked. W fans are freaking nuts. I got one of biggest megaphones in the country. I love them. I love the league. Yeah I don’t like Angel and I love Caitlin. It’s called sports.”
SI+1Sportskeeda+1

📣 Response From the Basketball Community

Fan Backlash

Fans of Angel Reese and many WNBA supporters criticized the StudBudz for legitimizing Portnoy:

Social media exploded with criticism, calling the decision “selling out” or betraying the league’s ethos. Comments ranged from disappointment to outrage and claims of racism and hypocrisy.
Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer VoicesSportskeeda

Some fans explicitly called out the StudBudz for associating with someone they believe has a history of racial and sexist remarks.
Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices

Family Pushback

Courtney Williams’s own father publicly opposed the idea:

“That shit ain’t serious to us at all … I unsigned my parental consent … I cancelled it, it’s over.”
Sportskeeda+3Sportskeeda+3Talksport+3

💼 Portnoy: A Polarizing Force

Despite controversy, Portnoy’s bold opinions and outspoken persona have helped turn Barstool Sports into a media empire valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Reddit+2Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+2New York Post+2

He remains a staunch supporter of higher WNBA pay, framing it as less charity and more smart marketing—and arguing that players deserve a far bigger share of rising revenue.
On3

On pay equity, he pointed out Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary (~$76,000) is outrageous in the context of the WNBA’s explosive growth. He called critics “morons” and predicted the league’s valuation would surge in the coming years.
On3+1New York Post+1

🧑‍⚖️ Where Things Stand

WNBA & Fan Perspective

The WNBA maintains that racism has no place in the sport and defended its decision to investigate the allegations, even if nothing was found.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have sought to de‑escalate tensions, calling the incident “just a basketball play” and urging the media to avoid overreaction.
Fox News+2TMSPN.com+2Talksport+2Sportskeeda+1Talksport+1

Portnoy’s Continued Role

Portnoy is unapologetic—he doubles down on his narrative, arguing the WNBA exaggerated a non-story and that the only hate present was from anti-Clark elements online.

He continues criticizing Reese while firmly aligning himself with Caitlin Clark and her fanbase.
SportskeedaSportskeedaTMSPN.com

StudBudz Dynamics

Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman insist they merely wanted to host an open conversation and humanize figures in the league—including Portnoy—despite polarized fan views.

They affirmed they remain close with Angel Reese and that Reese does not personally hold them accountable for inviting him.