Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark are often mentioned in tandem, their names almost synonymous with the intense competition that defines women’s basketball today. The two players were the biggest stars of college basketball during their respective stints at LSU and Iowa.
Their rivalry reached its peak during the 2023 NCAA Championship game, where Reese made headlines by mimicking Clark’s iconic “you can’t see me” celebration in the closing moments of the match, which LSU ultimately won.
That moment cemented the competitive narrative between the two, captivating fans and putting a spotlight on women’s college basketball.
Since then, their rivalry has continued to dominate the conversation around women’s basketball, even as both players transitioned to the WNBA, leading their respective franchises—the Chicago Sky for Reese and the Indiana Fever for Clark.
Their teams are now geographically close, adding another layer of intrigue to the perceived rivalry.
During a recent appearance at a Complex Conversations event, Reese was asked about her rivalry with Clark and whether it was genuine or largely a creation of the media. In response, Reese provided an insightful take on the nature of their competition and its evolution over the years.
“I think it’s just competition; it’s been competition since college,” Reese said during the interview. “Being able to play against Caitlin, I’ve been playing against Caitlin since we were probably in eighth or ninth grade. We were both really competitive in AAU. I went to Maryland, she went to Iowa, so we competed there, and then we finally got to compete in the national championship. People don’t know the history of us playing against each other for a really long time.”
Reese went on to explain that the rivalry between her and Clark has deep roots, dating back to their teenage years, and that their paths have crossed repeatedly throughout their careers.
However, she acknowledged that social media has amplified their rivalry to a level beyond what exists between them personally.
“Obviously, social media is going to put two women against each other,” Reese continued. “I think it’s been something that’s negative but also positive. I think it shines a light on women’s basketball, so I’ll take that role—being the person that gets the hate—but I know that, at the end of the day, I’m growing women’s basketball and helping to elevate the sport.”
RELATED: Angel Reese’s Message to WNBA Critics Quickly Backfires
Reese highlighted the dual nature of social media’s impact on their rivalry, acknowledging both the negativity that can come from the constant comparison and the increased visibility it has brought to women’s basketball.
Despite the scrutiny and criticism, she remains focused on the bigger picture: contributing to the growth of the sport and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
When asked if she thought fans of Clark, in particular, could sometimes take things too far, Reese pointed out that the issue is not limited to Clark’s supporters. “I think it’s more fans in general,” Reese said. “People don’t always realize that we’re human, and at the end of the day, it’s just basketball. We’re athletes, but we’re also people.”
Reese’s response reflects her mature perspective on the often-heated discourse surrounding her and Clark. She made it clear that, while fans may perceive the rivalry as hostile, there is no ill will between her and Clark. “I don’t have any hard feelings toward her, and she doesn’t have any hard feelings toward me,” Reese explained. “But yeah, it gets crazy sometimes.”
Ultimately, Reese’s comments provide a valuable perspective on her relationship with Caitlin Clark, one that emphasizes the competitiveness and respect that have defined their journey together.
While social media may fuel the flames of rivalry, both players understand that their battles on the court are just part of the game—a game they both love and are working to elevate for future generations.
Reese’s focus remains on using her platform to advance women’s basketball, regardless of the noise that surrounds her.
