The WNBA is heating up like never before—and at the center of it all is the headline-making rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. It’s one of the most talked-about player matchups in modern women’s basketball, drawing in millions of new fans, sparking viral debates, and putting unprecedented attention on the league.

But how did this rivalry start, and why does it matter so much? Here’s everything you need to know.

It All Started in College: The 2023 NCAA Championship

The seeds of the rivalry were planted during the 2023 NCAA Women’s National Championship between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Angel Reese’s LSU Tigers. The game wasn’t just about basketball—it was a cultural moment.

Clark had been dominating the tournament with deep threes, flashy passes, and intense confidence. But when Reese’s LSU defeated Iowa to win the title, she gave Clark a taste of her own medicine, famously taunting her with John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture and pointing to her ring finger.

The moment went viral.

Some fans and media outlets criticized Reese for “poor sportsmanship,” while others defended her, noting that Clark had done similar gestures earlier in the tournament. What should have been a celebration of women’s basketball excellence turned into a fiery debate over race, gender, and competitive expression.

From NCAA Spotlight to WNBA Showdowns

Fast-forward to 2024: both Clark and Reese are now rookies in the WNBA—Clark with the Indiana Fever and Reese with the Chicago Sky. And with their arrival, the rivalry has been reborn on a bigger stage.

Every Fever vs. Sky matchup is now must-watch television. Whether they’re matched up directly or not, the tension between the two always looms large. The crowd feels it. The players feel it. The media highlights it.

Recently, during a physical game between their teams, Clark took a hard foul from Chennedy Carter (Reese’s teammate), which many interpreted as part of the ongoing rivalry. Reese’s enthusiastic reaction from the bench reignited the debate—and reminded everyone just how alive this storyline still is.

Different Styles, Same Competitive Fire

Part of what makes this rivalry so compelling is how different these two stars are:

Caitlin Clark is known for her poise, deep shooting range, and high basketball IQ. She rarely shows emotion and often lets her game do the talking.

Angel Reese is fierce, passionate, and unafraid to show it. She plays with heart on her sleeve and isn’t shy about speaking her mind on or off the court.

These contrasts only heighten the drama—and help draw in fans from every corner of the sports world.

Is It Just Hype, or Is It Real?

While some say the rivalry is being blown out of proportion by the media and fans, others believe it’s a natural byproduct of two competitive stars rising at the same time. Importantly, both Clark and Reese have expressed mutual respect, even if they don’t always show it during the heat of battle.

“It’s just basketball,” Clark said in a postgame interview. “We’re all competitors.”

Reese, too, has acknowledged the spotlight: “People are watching. That means we’re doing something right.”

Why It Matters for the WNBA

This rivalry isn’t just about two players—it’s helping fuel the biggest growth the WNBA has ever seen. Ratings are up. Ticket sales are soaring. Young fans are tuning in. And Clark vs. Reese is a huge reason why.

It’s emotional. It’s intense. It’s real. And it’s pushing women’s basketball into a new era of relevance and excitement.

Bottom Line

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese aren’t just rivals—they’re two of the most important figures in the modern WNBA. Their battles—on and off the court—are giving fans a reason to care, debate, and, most importantly, watch.