The ongoing debate surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese just took another sharp turn — this time from inside the WNBA itself. A prominent WNBA insider has come forward, criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for how the league is handling its newest generation of stars, and claiming favoritism and media manipulation are fueling the widening gap between Clark and Reese’s national spotlight.

🔥 “The League Is Picking Favorites”

Speaking anonymously during a segment on a major basketball podcast, the WNBA insider didn’t hold back:

“Cathy [Engelbert] is playing a dangerous game. The league is clearly pushing Caitlin Clark as the face of the WNBA — and ignoring what Angel Reese brings to the table culturally, competitively, and commercially.”

They accused the WNBA front office of over-marketing Clark, while under-promoting Reese, despite both being highly impactful rookies who bring different audiences to the league.

“It’s like they only see one type of marketable star. That’s not just unfair — it’s shortsighted.”

📈 Caitlin Clark’s Popularity Skyrockets

There’s no denying Caitlin Clark is a media magnet. She leads the WNBA in jersey sales, national TV coverage, and viral highlights. From her deep three-pointers to game-winning moments, Clark’s presence has brought record ratings to the league.

But this insider suggests that the league’s heavy-handed promotion may be alienating players and fans who see a pattern of racial or market-based favoritism:

“Caitlin’s amazing. This isn’t about her. It’s about how the system lifts one and sidelines the other — even when both are doing great things on and off the court.”

💬 What About Angel Reese?

Angel Reese, the former LSU star known for her swagger and dominance in the paint, has also been having a strong rookie season — leading the league in rebounds and becoming one of the most visible and talked-about players in women’s sports.

Yet, according to the insider, Reese’s name is often left out of league-driven media pushes, and her personality is viewed through a different lens:

“When Angel shows passion, she’s ‘too loud.’ When Caitlin does it, it’s ‘competitive fire.’ That double standard hurts the league more than it helps.”

🏀 Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in the Hot Seat

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has received praise for growing the WNBA’s brand, adding charter flights, and improving player conditions. But this latest criticism points to growing concerns about fairness and representation in how the league handles its rising stars.

The insider continued:

“You can’t grow a league by dividing your locker room. If you want this league to explode, you have to lift everyone — not just the player who fits the sponsor-friendly image.”

So far, Engelbert has not responded to the comments, but league officials have emphasized that “all rookies are treated equally and fairly” when it comes to marketing and media access.

🗣️ Fans React

Social media lit up after the segment aired:

“WNBA needs to stop acting like it’s Clark vs. Reese — it should be Clark AND Reese.”

“Why is Angel being treated like an outsider when she’s dominating on the court?”

“Love both, but it’s clear who the league is putting on the posters.”

🎯 Final Thoughts

The WNBA has two generational stars in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — both dominant, both magnetic, and both bringing new fans to the sport. But behind the scenes, voices are growing louder about who the league chooses to elevate and why.

Whether you call it favoritism, marketing strategy, or growing pains, one thing is clear: the WNBA must find a way to celebrate all of its stars — equally, fairly, and with intention.