The Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry is heating up in 2025. Here’s why it’s dominating WNBA news and boosting league viewership.
The Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry has officially gone from college courts to center stage in the WNBA—and fans are eating it up. These two young stars, who once electrified NCAA women’s basketball, are now headlining must-watch games in the pros. Whether you’re team Clark or team Reese, there’s no denying this storyline is great for WNBA news, fan engagement, and—yes—TV ratings.
Let’s break down how this intense rivalry is reshaping women’s basketball in 2025, on and off the court.
The Backstory: From NCAA to WNBA Spotlight
Why This Feud Grabs Attention
- In 2023, their NCAA championship faceoff drew 9.9M viewers, a record for women’s hoops.
- Trash talk, bold confidence, and contrasting styles made headlines.
- Both players entered the WNBA in 2024—Clark to the Indiana Fever, Reese to the Chicago Sky.
Their history is personal. And fans? They remember everything.
How Their WNBA Rookie Seasons Set the Stage
2024 Rookie Stats Snapshot
| Player | PPG | APG | RPG | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 17.6 | 6.4 | 4.1 | 42% | 38% |
| Angel Reese | 13.2 | 1.6 | 9.4 | 47% | N/A |
Caitlin Clark dazzled with deep threes and flashy assists.
Angel Reese dominated the paint, grabbed double-doubles, and brought intensity every night.
Their 2025 Matchups Are Must-See TV
These games are drawing the biggest numbers of the season. ESPN, ABC, and Prime Video are all pushing the Clark-Reese rivalry in their promos.
Recent Clash: June 28, 2025
- Game: Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky
- Result: Fever 89, Sky 85
- Clark: 24 pts, 8 ast
- Reese: 18 pts, 13 reb
- TV Rating: 3.5M viewers on ESPN2
That’s nearly double the average WNBA viewership from 2023.
Fans and Social Media Are All In
This rivalry lives on the court—and on your phone.
TikTok & X Reactions:
- Hashtag #ClarkVsReese hit 1.2B views by July 2025
- Memes, slow-mo replays, and fan edits dominate the feed
- Heated debates on who’s “really the face of the W”
It’s not just a basketball battle—it’s a culture war in real time.
Style Clash: Sharpshooter vs Power Player
Clark’s Game:
- Pull-up threes from the logo
- Court vision and quick dishes
- High IQ, low turnover rate
Reese’s Game:
- Rebounds like a magnet
- Physical post presence
- Fire, emotion, and toughness
One shoots lights out. The other brings brute force. It’s like Steph Curry vs Draymond Green—but younger, and arguably louder.
What Coaches and Analysts Are Saying
- “Clark’s game stretches defenses in a way few women ever have.” — Rebecca Lobo
- “Reese sets the tone with energy and grit. Her double-doubles are no fluke.” — Doris Burke
- “This rivalry is the WNBA’s version of Bird vs Magic.” — Stephen A. Smith
Strong takes. And most of them aren’t wrong.
The Rivalry’s Business Impact
Sponsorships & Endorsements
Both players are raking it in:
- Clark: Nike, Gatorade, Buick
- Reese: Reebok (with Shaq), Amazon, Beats
And let’s not forget merch. Their jerseys are among the top 5 best-sellers in 2025, according to Fanatics.
Attendance Boost
Games between the Fever and Sky are sellouts—home or away. Average ticket prices have tripled since 2023.
Fan Takes: Divided But Passionate
Scroll through Reddit or YouTube comments, and you’ll see:
- “Clark’s the future—deal with it.”
- “Reese brings real passion and power.”
- “This rivalry is the best thing that’s ever happened to the WNBA.”
People have opinions—and that’s exactly what the league needs.
Media Coverage Is Skyrocketing
- Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Women
- Joint interview with Good Morning America
- ESPN’s 30 for 30 announced a future episode dedicated to their rivalry
This isn’t niche anymore. It’s mainstream.
Is This Rivalry Real? Or Just Hyped?
Good question. The players respect each other, but you can feel the edge.
- On X, Reese reposted a video of Clark missing a clutch shot… with the “👀” emoji.
- Clark, when asked about the rivalry: “I just want to win games. The rest? That’s for the fans.”
So yeah—it’s real enough.
What This Means for the WNBA’s Future
This rivalry checks every box for league growth:
- Drives viewership
- Creates must-see matchups
- Sells merch and boosts endorsement money
- Gets people talking—even those who don’t normally watch the W
In short, it’s gold.
Conclusion: The Rivalry the WNBA Needed
The Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry isn’t just hype—it’s helping push women’s basketball to new heights. Whether you tune in for the buckets, the drama, or the storylines, one thing’s for sure: the W is winning big in 2025.
💬What’s Your Take?
Are you team Clark or team Reese? Do you think this is the rivalry that finally takes the WNBA mainstream?
👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with a fellow fan, and subscribe for the freshest WNBA news and hot takes.
FAQs
1. How many times do Clark and Reese face off in 2025?
They meet at least 4 times during the regular season—more if they clash in the playoffs.
2. Who has better 2025 stats so far?
Clark leads in scoring and assists, while Reese dominates in rebounds and field goal percentage.
3. Is their rivalry real or media-created?
It’s a bit of both. They’ve been competitive since college, and the tension adds to the intrigue.
4. Where can I watch their next game?
Check WNBA.com or ESPN’s schedule. Their matchups are often nationally televised.
5. How are fans reacting to this rivalry?
With passion! Social media debates, record views, and packed arenas prove people care—deeply.
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