It seems like there’s some serious tension brewing between Angel Reese and the LPGA praise for Caitlin Clark.

Looks like Reese—who herself is a major star in women’s sports, particularly in college basketball—feels that Caitlin Clark may be receiving excessive attention compared to other athletes in women’s sports.

Angel Reese’s comments about Clark potentially not deserving all the attention could stem from a few factors. One, it’s possible that Reese feels overlooked in certain moments or believes that athletes in her sport (like herself) should be getting more recognition.

There’s also the broader issue of how the media and various sports leagues treat rising stars in women’s sports, where sometimes the attention isn’t as evenly spread as it should be.

The praise from the LPGA towards Caitlin Clark, especially with players like Nelly Korda calling her an inspiration and recognizing her crossover appeal, certainly paints a picture of Caitlin being a new kind of superstar.

But for Reese and other athletes who are also pushing boundaries and breaking records, it could feel frustrating to see another athlete dominate the spotlight—especially when, as Angel Reese may feel, there’s not enough recognition for the accomplishments of others in women’s sports, including herself.

It’s a tricky dynamic. On the one hand, Caitlin Clark’s success has brought a massive amount of attention to women’s basketball and women’s sports in general. On the other, athletes like Angel Reese may feel like it’s a zero-sum game when it comes to media coverage, sponsorships, and the spotlight, especially if they feel their achievements aren’t being equally celebrated.

Reese’s reaction is not uncommon in highly competitive spaces, especially for athletes who are constantly striving for the recognition they feel they deserve. It’s also worth noting that sometimes athletes vent frustrations when they feel their own hard work and success isn’t getting its due acknowledgment in the way that other athletes might be.

At the heart of the issue is the LPGA’s approach to marketing Caitlin, which has been nothing short of masterful. By pairing her with top-ranked golfer Nelly Korda for the Anaka Pro-Am, they not only highlighted Caitlin’s unique talents but also used her star power to draw attention to women’s sports as a whole. The LPGA went beyond just showcasing Caitlin as a player; they made her the centerpiece of the event. The media coverage was unprecedented for a Pro-Am, and they even adjusted programming to feature Caitlin live—a rare move for such events. This approach, combined with Caitlin’s undeniable charm and influence, attracted new fans to golf, generating more visibility and engagement across social media and other platforms.

On the other hand, the WNBA has faced criticism for not capitalizing on Caitlin’s popularity in the same way. Despite her stellar rookie season, including shattering records and generating record-breaking TV ratings, her Rookie of the Year award was handed out in an empty gym, with little fanfare or media coverage.

This lack of promotion feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the unique position Caitlin is in to bring new attention to women’s basketball. The WNBA’s reluctance to fully embrace her stardom, instead of celebrating her achievements as other leagues do for their stars, has frustrated fans and insiders alike.

The WNBA’s cautious approach to marketing and promotion, where they try to balance the spotlight between all players rather than focusing on the standout stars like Caitlin, seems to be missing the mark.

In contrast, the LPGA has shown what’s possible when a league truly embraces an individual athlete’s appeal and lets that shine. Caitlin Clark has not only brought increased viewership and attendance to Indiana Fever games but also garnered national media attention for herself and women’s basketball in general. By sidelining her achievements, the WNBA risks not just her loyalty but also the attention and fans she’s bringing with her.

The contrast between the two leagues’ strategies comes down to one key thing: the LPGA understands the value of a star athlete to draw attention and increase revenue, while the WNBA seems to be stuck in an old mindset that prioritizes collective promotion over individual success. The WNBA’s hesitation could cost them dearly in terms of growth and visibility, and at a time when sports marketing and visibility are paramount, the League might want to reconsider how it handles rising stars like Caitlin.

Caitlin Clark’s impact is undeniable. She represents what is possible when women’s sports are given the spotlight they deserve, and her success should be a moment of triumph for everyone in the women’s sports world.

The LPGA recognized this, but the WNBA’s muted response to her crossover appeal raises questions about the League’s direction moving forward. Will they step up and embrace Caitlin as the star she is, or will they continue to let other leagues capitalize on her potential while they stay behind? The answer could shape the future of women’s basketball and women’s sports in general.