The world of women’s basketball is no stranger to intense fan support, passionate rivalries, and moments that can shift public opinion in the blink of an eye. Recently, Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s rising stars and the newest member of the Chicago Sky, has found herself at the center of controversy after her latest appearance on a podcast sent shockwaves through her fanbase. A wave of anger and disappointment from fans has led to many unfollowing Reese on social media, with some even voicing that they feel betrayed by her recent remarks.

What exactly happened, and how did a podcast interview turn Reese’s growing popularity into a potential PR disaster? Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Angel Reese: A Star on the Horizon

Angel Reese, fresh off a successful college basketball career with the LSU Tigers, has been one of the most exciting newcomers to the WNBA. Known for her all-around game, trash-talking attitude, and electric performances on the court, Reese’s arrival in the professional league was highly anticipated. After winning the NCAA National Championship with LSU in 2023 and claiming Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors, her transition to the Chicago Sky was seen as a major win for the WNBA, bringing much-needed star power and excitement to a team that was rebuilding for the future.

Fans rallied behind Reese, enamored not just with her on-court skills but also her outspoken personality and willingness to challenge the status quo in women’s basketball. With the Chicago Sky’s history of attracting big-name players and building championship-caliber teams, Reese’s addition to the roster seemed like a perfect fit. However, it seems that a recent podcast appearance has thrown a wrench in that momentum.

The Controversial Podcast Interview

It all started with an appearance by Angel Reese on a popular sports podcast, which seemed like an opportunity for the player to share her journey, discuss her goals for the WNBA season, and connect with her growing fanbase. However, during the interview, Reese made some comments that didn’t sit well with her fans.

Reese was asked about her college experience, her move to the WNBA, and how she felt about the growing popularity of women’s basketball. In the conversation, she made remarks that many fans interpreted as dismissive towards the LSU program and some of her former teammates. She also compared her experience with the Chicago Sky to that of her time in college, suggesting that her professional team offered a much more “serious” and “professional” environment—comments that some fans found to be a thinly veiled criticism of her college days.

The tipping point came when she discussed her social media following and made comments that seemed to imply she was more concerned with her brand and image than the actual game of basketball itself. “I’m all about growing my brand, getting more endorsements, and connecting with the people who want to follow me,” Reese said. “Basketball is just part of the journey.”

While many fans admired Reese’s hustle and business-minded attitude, others were disappointed by what they saw as a lack of respect for the LSU program and a tone that felt overly self-serving. In a world where athletes—particularly women—are fighting to be taken seriously for their on-court abilities and not just their brand value, Reese’s comments rubbed some of her followers the wrong way.

Fans React: Unfollowing and Disillusionment

In the days following the podcast’s release, social media was flooded with posts from fans expressing their frustration with Reese’s remarks. Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms to share their feelings, and many of them expressed that they no longer felt the same admiration for the young star.

A large portion of the backlash centered on Reese’s comment about her brand being a primary focus, with fans accusing her of losing sight of the core of her platform: the game of basketball. Some felt that she was prioritizing the wrong things in the WNBA, which had struggled for years to gain the financial and cultural recognition it deserved. By turning the conversation to her social media following and personal brand, Reese unintentionally alienated many fans who were hoping to see more focus on her basketball career.

On top of that, Reese’s comments about LSU didn’t sit well with many of her fans who had supported her during her college career. Some fans, especially those from the LSU fanbase, felt betrayed by Reese’s seeming lack of respect for the program and her former teammates, who had played a major role in her success.

The Impact on Angel Reese’s Social Media Following

As the backlash continued to grow, fans began to unfollow Angel Reese on social media platforms, with some even expressing that they felt “disillusioned” by her attitude. In just a matter of days, Reese lost thousands of followers across various platforms, and her previously glowing reputation began to take a hit.

For a player as young and marketable as Reese, this type of backlash is not only a PR problem but could also affect her long-term relationships with brands and fans. The WNBA, which has spent years trying to boost the profile of its players, especially those like Reese, will now have to navigate the fallout of these comments. Reese had been a face of the league’s growing popularity, but with a significant portion of her fanbase feeling alienated, her star power could be in jeopardy.

What’s Next for Angel Reese?

For Angel Reese, the path forward is tricky. While she’s still incredibly talented and has all the tools to succeed on the court, she now faces the challenge of repairing her public image, especially with her new team, the Chicago Sky, and the WNBA fanbase as a whole.

Reese may need to do some damage control in the coming weeks. This could include clarifying her comments in interviews, offering apologies to LSU fans and teammates, and focusing more on the basketball aspect of her career. The WNBA, after all, is a league where athletes are constantly fighting to be taken seriously. Reese’s comments, while understandable in a world where athletes are encouraged to build their personal brands, may have come across as tone-deaf at a time when fans are more interested in seeing athletes succeed on the court than simply grow their online presence.

The Bigger Picture: Brand Building vs. Authenticity in Women’s Sports

Angel Reese’s recent controversy highlights a larger conversation about brand building in women’s sports. While Reese is certainly not the first athlete to capitalize on her popularity through social media and sponsorships, the balance between maintaining a personal brand and staying grounded in the sport itself is a delicate one. Fans expect authenticity and respect, especially from athletes who are seen as trailblazers in a league that continues to fight for respect and recognition.

For now, Angel Reese’s fans will likely be watching closely to see how she responds to the backlash and whether she can regain their trust and admiration. While her skill on the court is undeniable, the coming weeks may reveal whether Reese can prove that her focus is truly on basketball and not just on building her empire.

Conclusion: Can Reese Recover?

The question now is whether Angel Reese can weather the storm and regain the support of her fans. The WNBA is built on star power, but it also thrives on authenticity, and fans are quick to call out athletes who seem to prioritize their brand over their craft. Reese’s popularity skyrocketed because of her undeniable talent and confidence, but with the latest podcast controversy causing some of her fanbase to turn their backs on her, she’ll need to show a renewed focus on the game—and a deep respect for her roots—in order to repair the damage.

In the world of women’s sports, where every misstep is closely scrutinized, the ability to bounce back from controversy is crucial. Reese’s next steps will be crucial in shaping her future both on and off the court. For now, fans are waiting to see if she can regain their trust—and perhaps more importantly—remain a force in the WNBA.