Angel Reese ERUPTS as Caitlin Clark’s Games Get Upgraded to Bigger Venues—Is the WNBA Favoring One Star Over the Rest?

Angel Reese ERUPTS After Caitlin Clark Games Get Upgraded to Bigger Venue!

The ongoing media-fueled rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark took another turn as the Indiana Fever’s games featuring Clark were upgraded to larger venues, prompting strong reactions from Reese and others in the WNBA community.

The Growing Spotlight on Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa sensation and No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been a major attraction in women’s basketball. Her presence has led to record-breaking ticket sales, increased television ratings, and an unprecedented surge in fan engagement. As a result, multiple teams, including the Chicago Sky—where Angel Reese plays—have moved games featuring Clark to larger arenas to accommodate the demand.

While this decision makes business sense, it has reignited tensions surrounding the perceived favoritism Clark receives in the media and within the league. Angel Reese, a key rival from their NCAA days, made her frustrations known, expressing disappointment that her contributions, along with those of other WNBA stars, have not received the same level of recognition.

Angel Reese’s Response to Venue Upgrade

Reese, a dominant force for LSU and now a rising WNBA star, didn’t hold back when responding to the venue upgrade news. Though she didn’t explicitly name Clark, her comments on social media suggested frustration with the way the league and media prioritize certain players over others.

She previously spoke out about the racial dynamics at play in how players are marketed, arguing that Black players have carried the WNBA for years, yet Clark’s arrival has led to unprecedented media coverage and financial investment.

Cheryl Miller Calls Out Media Narratives

WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller weighed in on the situation during an appearance on All The Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Miller, who coached both Reese and Clark during their first WNBA All-Star Game, dismissed the idea that the two are enemies and instead highlighted how the media has framed them in a way that fuels unnecessary division.

“I’m gonna be honest because it needs to be said—I can relate to that young lady [Clark] and I felt for her,” Miller said. “I know what it’s like to be hated. I know what it’s like to be a Black woman and hated because of my color.”

Miller pointed out that Clark has also received backlash due to the media’s portrayal of her as the “savior” of the WNBA, a narrative that dismisses the contributions of players like Reese, A’ja Wilson, and others who have been building the league’s popularity for years.

A Bigger Conversation About the WNBA’s Growth

The debate surrounding Clark and Reese is reflective of a broader conversation in women’s basketball. There’s no denying Clark’s impact—her games are selling out, TV networks are prioritizing WNBA broadcasts, and casual fans are tuning in at unprecedented levels.

However, Reese and other Black WNBA stars are rightfully questioning why it took Clark’s arrival for the league to receive this level of attention. Players like Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu have been putting up elite performances for years, yet the sudden shift in investment coinciding with Clark’s entry raises valid concerns.

Moving Forward

Both Reese and Clark are entering their second season in the WNBA, and while their rivalry will remain a talking point, the larger issue is how the league can ensure all of its players benefit from this new wave of attention.

While Clark’s games being moved to bigger venues makes business sense, the WNBA must also continue highlighting and promoting the other superstars who have been elevating the game long before her arrival.

As Cheryl Miller stated: “The narrative wasn’t the truth.”