Angel Reese on the Cover of Vogue Sparks Wild Controversy: “Are We Losing Sight of Basketball’s True Spirit?”

The internet is ablaze, and Angel Reese is at the center of it. The LSU star and rising WNBA sensation has just graced the cover of Vogue Magazine in what should have been a triumphant moment for women’s basketball and a milestone for her blossoming career. Yet, somehow, what should be a celebration has ignited a firestorm of debate that seems to be about everything but basketball.

“Why Not the Whole League?”—The Washington Mystics Owner’s Infamous Clapback

The conversation took an immediate left turn when critics began asking, “Why couldn’t the entire WNBA be on the cover?” This bizarre critique, initially spurred by the Washington Mystics owner, has become meme-worthy. Social media has turned it into a running joke, with comments like, “Every time a WNBA player achieves something, someone will ask, ‘Why not everybody else?’”

The reality? It’s a single player’s achievement—a significant one that puts the spotlight on the WNBA. Why not celebrate it for what it is? Angel Reese’s appearance in Vogue isn’t just about her; it’s about the league reaching new cultural heights.

Fashion vs. Basketball: A Debate No One Asked For

Predictably, the cover also revived the tired old argument: “Does Angel Reese care more about fashion than basketball?” Critics, even Reese’s staunchest detractors, seem confused. On one hand, they claim she isn’t dedicated enough to the game. On the other, they grudgingly acknowledge her work ethic, pointing out improvements in her jump shot and performance. So, which is it?

Meanwhile, Angel Reese is unapologetically herself—a young athlete who is breaking barriers and challenging norms. She’s proving that being a basketball star doesn’t mean you can’t have interests outside the court. Why is this such a hard pill for people to swallow?

“This Is Good for the WNBA—Period.”

Every time a WNBA player graces the cover of a major publication or takes part in high-profile events, it’s a win for the league. Visibility matters. Reese’s cover shoot is not just a personal victory but a reminder of how far women’s basketball has come in gaining mainstream attention.

Yet, instead of focusing on the positives, the conversation has spiraled into absurdity. Some fans are acting like this is a precursor to World War III. Fever fans, rejoice—or maybe don’t? It’s Vogue, not a declaration of global conflict.

The Real Problem Lies Elsewhere

It’s ironic that this drama unfolds while actual issues in the WNBA remain under-addressed. Let’s talk about the league’s media coverage—or lack thereof. Viral moments in 2024 heavily featured the Las Vegas Aces, while stars like Reese and Caitlin Clark barely made the top 10. Meanwhile, inflammatory comments from figures like Renee Montgomery—who suggested the WNBA doesn’t want new fans—continue to stir up unnecessary divisions.

Even ownership issues plague the league. From the Connecticut Sun’s apathetic leadership to the Washington Mystics owner’s infamous comment, the structural problems are glaring. These are the real threats to the WNBA’s growth, not Angel Reese’s burgeoning celebrity status.

Fashion and Sports: A Long-Standing Connection

Let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time fashion and sports have intertwined. NBA legends like Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade were pioneers in linking basketball to broader cultural trends. Reese and her contemporaries—Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark, Ria Jackson—are simply continuing that tradition.

If anything, their embrace of fashion is a sign of progress. It shows that women athletes can exist as multifaceted individuals, transcending the narrow confines of their sport.

The Bottom Line

Angel Reese’s Vogue cover is a good thing for basketball, period. It’s a step forward in making women’s basketball players household names and cultural icons. The critics can speculate, meme, and complain all they want. At the end of the day, Reese is doing what stars are supposed to do: shine.

So, let’s stop debating whether Angel Reese should be on the cover of Vogue. Let’s stop pretending this is about anything other than the WNBA’s growth. And for once, can we just celebrate the moment?

Because if we don’t, we’re only proving one thing: we’re more interested in tearing down achievements than building up the game we claim to love.