The race for WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 is heating up. Will Caitlin Clark take the crown, or will Angel Reese surprise everyone?
The keyword WNBA Rookie of the Year 2025 is already buzzing, and we’re not even at the season’s end. Fans, analysts, and sports blogs are locked in heated debates over who deserves the crown: Caitlin Clark, the generational sharpshooter, or Angel Reese, the rebounding powerhouse. This year’s rookie class is stacked, but these two phenoms are stealing headlines, breaking records, and igniting rivalries that might define the WNBA for years to come.
Caitlin Clark: Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s start with Caitlin Clark — the former Iowa superstar and No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever. From her debut game, Clark has shown that she’s not just a college sensation — she’s WNBA-ready.
Her 2025 Rookie Stats (as of July):
| Stat Category | Caitlin Clark |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 19.4 |
| Assists Per Game | 7.2 |
| Three-Point % | 38.1% |
| Free Throw % | 91.5% |
- Led all rookies in assists
- Top 10 in league-wide 3-pointers made
- Multiple 25+ point games
She’s also drawing the biggest crowds — both in-person and on TV. ESPN reported over 2 million viewers for Fever vs. Aces in June, one of the most-watched WNBA games in years.
Angel Reese: The Rebounding Queen of Chicago
Now let’s talk about the other half of this dynamic rookie rivalry: Angel Reese. Drafted 7th overall by the Chicago Sky, Reese came into the league with something to prove — and she’s delivering in a big way.
Angel Reese’s 2025 Rookie Stats (as of July):
| Stat Category | Angel Reese |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 15.7 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 10.9 |
| Double-Doubles | 14 |
| Field Goal % | 47.8% |
Reese has already shattered the WNBA rookie record for consecutive double-doubles — and she’s not slowing down.
- Dominated in the paint against veterans like Breanna Stewart
- Fueled Chicago’s playoff push
- Drawing praise for her hustle and defensive growth
Rookie Rivalry That’s Great for the WNBA
Clark vs. Reese is everything fans hoped it would be — intense, competitive, and personal.
- Their NCAA battles still linger in fans’ minds
- Every Fever vs. Sky game trends on X (formerly Twitter)
- Their rivalry is boosting viewership and sparking debates across all major sports networks
Even ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith weighed in, calling their budding rivalry “exactly what the WNBA needed.”
Social Media: Fans Are Loud and Divided
Social media platforms have turned into battlegrounds. Just take a look:
- #TeamClark tweets often praise her long-range shooting and court IQ.
- #TeamReese fans hype up her double-doubles and grit.
Reels of their highlights are flooding TikTok, drawing millions of views. Whether you love or hate them, Clark and Reese are the talk of women’s basketball in 2025.
TV Ratings Don’t Lie: They’re Boosting the League
When either rookie is on the court, people watch.
Top-Rated Games Featuring Rookie Stars (2025):
| Matchup | Viewership | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Fever vs. Sky (June) | 2.05M | ESPN |
| Fever vs. Liberty (May) | 1.8M | ABC |
| Sky vs. Aces (July) | 1.5M | ESPN2 |
This surge has drawn more eyes to women’s basketball 2025 than ever before, including interest from big sponsors.
Endorsement Deals: Big Brands Are Watching
Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are thriving off the court, too.
Caitlin Clark:
- Nike multi-million-dollar endorsement
- Featured in national State Farm ads
- Exclusive Gatorade deal
Angel Reese:
- Signed with Reebok (with Shaq backing her)
- Beats by Dre campaign
- Strong social media branding deals
Their impact isn’t just in stats — it’s financial. And it benefits the entire WNBA ecosystem.
Veteran Reactions: Respect or Resentment?
Some veterans have praised both rookies, while others are more skeptical of the hype.
- Aces’ A’ja Wilson said, “They’re fun to watch, but we’ll see how they handle the grind.”
- WNBA legend Sue Bird chimed in on ESPN, noting that both “brought a new level of energy and attention.”
Still, Clark and Reese are earning their stripes night after night.
WNBA News: What’s Next for the Rookie Race?
The WNBA All-Star Game gave fans a preview of what’s to come. Both Clark and Reese played — and yes, the cameras followed them the entire time.
As the season heads into the second half, the Rookie of the Year 2025 race could come down to:
- Playoff positioning
- Efficiency stats
- Final month performances
It’s going to be close — and must-watch.
Bullet Recap: Key Differences Between Clark and Reese
- 🔥 Clark: Sharpshooter, playmaker, floor general
- 💪 Reese: Interior dominance, hustle, rebounding
- 📈 Clark: Higher assists & points
- 🧱 Reese: Higher field goal % & rebounding
- 👀 Clark: Bigger national spotlight
- 🔄 Reese: More double-doubles and consistency
Our Prediction: Who Wins Rookie of the Year?
If we had to choose right now, the edge goes to Caitlin Clark — but just barely. Her offensive output and global spotlight might tip the scales. Still, don’t count out Reese. If Chicago makes the playoffs and she keeps dominating the boards, she could steal it.
Let’s Settle This – Who’s Your Rookie of the Year?
We’ve broken down the numbers, the narratives, and the noise — now we want to hear from YOU. Are you riding with Team Clark or Team Reese? Drop your take in the comments, share this post, and subscribe for weekly WNBA updates delivered fresh.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
External Source: WNBA Official Website
FAQs
1. Who is leading the WNBA Rookie of the Year race in 2025?
Currently, Caitlin Clark holds a slight edge in fan and analyst polls, but Angel Reese is close behind.
2. How many double-doubles has Angel Reese had in 2025?
As of July, Reese has recorded 14 double-doubles — the most by a rookie in WNBA history.
3. Has Caitlin Clark made the All-Star team in her rookie year?
Yes, Clark was voted in by fans and played in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
4. What teams do Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese play for?
Clark plays for the Indiana Fever, while Reese plays for the Chicago Sky.
5. Can both players win Rookie of the Year?
Technically, only one player can win, but fans and analysts believe both are equally deserving.
