Angel Reese recently discussed the impact that she has had on the WNBA in comparison to Caitlin Clark. Many basketball fans will be aware that the WNBA had not been given much recognition and acknowledgment up until this point in time from the sports world.
However, things have changed quite drastically this season with the entrance of hyped-up rookies such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. While all of them have undoubtedly had an impact on the ratings and viewership increase for the WNBA, the general narrative is that Caitlin Clark’s presence has had the most effect. However, Angel Reese wished to challenge that notion and made her feelings clear during a recent interview.
Angel Reese believes her presence is helping the WNBA grow
Although there is no denying that all the young female athletes who have joined the WNBA this season have played a role in helping the league grow and develop, Caitlin Clark stands head and shoulders above the rest. During her college career, Clark was already considered to be one of the greatest women’s basketball stars in the history of the game.
In fact, Caitlin also earned comparisons to stars in the NBA with fans truly believing that she had what it takes to play in the men’s league. While none of these claims were made by fans regarding Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky rookie opined that she also played a pivotal role in the WNBA’s increase in popularity.
Angel Reese:
“The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that.”
(via @GNSportsTV) pic.twitter.com/Ov99FYrmdq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 3, 2024
“The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that.”
While Angel is certainly allowed to believe that she has had an equal impact on the WNBA and women’s basketball when compared to Clark, fans did not approve of her message and made their voices heard on social media after hearing Reese’s statements.
Fans mock Reese for her stance and side with Caitlin Clark
Upon hearing Angel Reese speak about herself in high regard, many WNBA fans pointed out that she was merely trying to draw attention towards herself and that she was not in the same league as Clark. They even mocked her abilities and claimed that her playstyle was simply not worth watching, “Ain’t nobody turning their TV on to watch Angel Reese shoot 30% from the field off of strictly layups.”
Ain’t nobody turning their TV on to watch Angel Reese shoot 30% from the field off of strictly layups 😂
— Rob (@iamrobtv) June 3, 2024
“it’s because of me too” pic.twitter.com/Vc2gAyRRva
— trace (@wakeuptrace) June 3, 2024
In any case, there appears to be a sense of jealousy or envy in the air among WNBA stars this season. Hopefully, they avoid engaging in that form of behavior and emotion and focus on playing at a high level. That will undoubtedly improve the viewership and ratings for the WNBA.