Caitlin Clark’s explosive WNBA preseason debut has dominated headlines, sparking comparisons with fellow rookie Angel Reese and igniting discussions about their ongoing rivalry. Clark, the former Iowa sensation now playing for the Indiana Fever, drew massive national attention when she returned to her college arena, Carver-Hawkeye, where she played in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 15,000 fans. Tickets to the game soared to an average price of $670—setting a WNBA preseason record. On the court, Clark delivered a strong performance, recording 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in a dominant 108–44 win over the Brazilian national team.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese’s preseason outing with the Chicago Sky took place in her former college town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but drew a significantly smaller crowd of just over 6,300 fans. Though Reese posted a solid double-double—15 points and 10 rebounds in limited minutes—the contrast in fanfare and media attention between the two rookies has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Reese’s mother, Angel Webb Reese, responded to the swirling media narratives by posting on social media, reminding critics that LSU defeated Clark’s Iowa team in the 2023 NCAA championship game. The post was seen by many as an effort to shift attention back to Reese’s accomplishments and downplay the media frenzy surrounding Clark.
As both players prepare for the start of the regular season, with a highly anticipated matchup on May 17, the rivalry between Reese and Clark continues to stir public interest. While Clark’s rapid rise in popularity may be frustrating to Reese and her supporters, it has undeniably brought heightened visibility to the WNBA and its rookie class.
