Caitlin Clark’s rise in popularity has been credited with significantly contributing to the WNBA’s recent growth. However, former LSU player Angel Reese wants to make it clear that this growth is not due to just one person. Reese voiced this sentiment a few months back, asserting that multiple factors are driving the league’s surge in popularity. Despite this, many still focus primarily on Clark’s role in the WNBA’s success.
The topic of Clark’s influence and the physicality she faces on the court came up in a recent podcast interview featuring Rick Barry and George Gervin with Joy De’Angela. During the discussion, Gervin highlighted that Clark’s presence in the WNBA has brought increased value to the league, including private planes and greater media coverage. He argued that these improvements only came about because of Clark’s impact. Without mentioning Angel Reese, Gervin suggested that the league should be looking for more players like Clark, comparing her influence to that of Tiger Woods in golf, who transformed the sport’s financial landscape.
The Fever rookie’s impact has indeed been substantial. A report by Sportico noted that by mid-August, the Indiana Fever had attracted 186,000 fans to their home games, a significant 265% increase compared to the 2023 season. This surge in fan attendance is partly attributed to Clark’s influence.
In terms of online engagement, the Indiana Fever outperformed not just other WNBA teams but also several NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB teams, garnering 800 million views between April 15 and July 19. Yet, despite Clark’s impact, it’s essential not to overlook Angel Reese’s contributions to the league’s popularity. The rivalry perceived by fans between Reese and Clark has added excitement and brought more attention to women’s basketball.
George Gervin’s remarks, which did not acknowledge Reese, are unlikely to sit well with the Chicago Sky rookie, particularly after she has already spoken out about wanting recognition for her role in the league’s growth. Reese has faced criticism from fans for showing support during a flagrant foul committed by Chennedy Carter against Clark. Despite facing backlash for two years, Reese has stated that she accepts it as long as it increases the popularity of women’s basketball. However, she insists that recognition should be given to multiple players, not just one. “It’s not just because of one person. It’s because of me too, and I want you to realize that,” she emphasized.
Rick Barry also commented on the level of physicality directed at Clark, stating that players should face severe penalties for flagrant fouls against high-profile talents like Clark. He expressed that any player committing such fouls should be fined and suspended, as they harm the league’s assets.
These comments might not go down well with Reese, who previously took issue with Charles Barkley’s criticisms of WNBA players. Barkley’s remarks came after Chennedy Carter’s hard foul on Clark, during which Shaquille O’Neal, a known supporter of Reese, was present but did not object. Reese later called Shaq to express her disappointment at his silence on Barkley’s comments.
Barry’s comments followed another incident involving a hard foul on Clark, this time by Sky’s Diamon DeShields. Given Reese’s earlier reactions, she is unlikely to support Barry’s push for harsher penalties to protect players like Clark.
The debate around whether Clark is overshadowing Reese or if Reese is simply not receiving due recognition continues. Reese, along with others, is advocating for acknowledgment of her role in the league’s recent success. Meanwhile, Clark’s influence on both the court and in boosting viewership and fan engagement remains a significant talking point in discussions about the WNBA’s growth.
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