Since its inception, the WNBA has often been the subject of jokes and ridicule. Some were lighthearted, while others were harsh and relentless. However, a new wave of rookies has transformed the league from an object of scorn into a respected entity. Leading this remarkable transformation are Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two superstar rookies whose rivalry has captivated fans and driven unprecedented viewership.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become household names in the WNBA, attracting staggering numbers of viewers compared to even the league’s top players. For instance, in a recent 30-day period, Caitlin Clark garnered approximately 2.8 million hits on YouTube, while Angel Reese attracted 368,000 views. This surge in popularity has also led to significant increases in revenue from broadcast deals, poised to boost the average salary of WNBA players by three to four times.

Despite their on-court successes, a unique and complex relationship exists between Clark and Reese, marked by occasional taunts and physical clashes. During the 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend, for example, after Caitlin missed a half-court shot, Angel immediately followed with a successful one, high-fiving everyone except Caitlin. Such incidents hint at a deeper rivalry that goes beyond basketball.

The origins of their rivalry trace back to their high school and AAU days. Both were standout players, with Caitlin Clark dazzling at Dowling Catholic High School and Angel Reese excelling as a double-double machine at her school. Though their high school teams never faced each other due to geographical distance, they did meet on the AAU circuit, with Reese’s team often coming out on top.

Their rivalry continued into college, with Clark playing for the University of Iowa and Reese for the University of Maryland. In their first college matchup, Clark dominated individually, scoring 34 points, while Reese’s team won the game. This pattern repeated in subsequent encounters, with Clark often stealing the spotlight despite Reese’s team victories.

Reese eventually transferred to LSU, where she truly blossomed, while Clark continued to ascend to megastar status. Their most significant showdown came in the 2023 NCAA Finals, which became the most-watched women’s basketball game of all time. Despite Clark’s stellar performance, Reese and LSU emerged victorious, with Reese’s taunting of Clark becoming a memorable moment in women’s basketball history.

The rivalry persisted into the WNBA, where tensions between the two occasionally flared on the court. Despite the competitive spirit, both players have shown moments of mutual respect and sportsmanship, suggesting a possible evolution in their relationship.

As Clark and Reese’s careers continue to unfold, their rivalry remains a major talking point among fans. Whether this rivalry will develop into a friendship akin to the famous bird and Magic dynamic or remain a fierce competition is yet to be seen. One thing is certain: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are now intrinsically linked in the world of women’s basketball, driving the WNBA to new heights and captivating audiences worldwide.