The WNBA has needed a rivalry that can captivate audiences and boost the league's profile. The growing rivalry between Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky is doing just that, despite—or perhaps because of—the drama that surrounds it. This rivalry, which dates back to their college days, is proving to be a significant draw for the league, evidenced by recent viewership records.
A rivalry born in college
The rivalry between Clark and Reese first gained national attention during their college careers at Iowa and LSU, respectively. The two stars faced off in the 2023 NCAA Tournament Championship, where Reese's LSU Tigers triumphed over Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes with a score of 102-85.
One of the most memorable moments from that championship game was Reese's “you can't see me” gesture directed at Clark. As LSU was about to clinch the title, Reese mimicked Clark’s signature celebration—a move Clark had used throughout the tournament. Reese added her own twist by pointing to her ring finger, indicating the championship win. The act of taunting became a viral moment, sparking widespread discussion and drawing newfound attention to women’s basketball.
Clark and Reese met again in the 2024 NCAA Elite Eight, where Clark and the Hawkeyes got their revenge, defeating LSU 94-87. These encounters were not just battles for titles, but showcases of two of the most talented players in women’s basketball, setting the stage for a rivalry that has carried over into their professional careers.
Impact on WNBA viewership
The transition from college rivals to WNBA competitors has been seamless and beneficial for the league. The recent June 16 game between the Fever and the Sky set a viewership record, drawing 2.25 million viewers, the highest for any WNBA game in 23 years.
In addition to the record-setting game, the first meeting between the Fever and the Sky this season also garnered significant attention. That game, played on June 1, averaged 1.53 million viewers on ESPN and peaked at 2.19 million. The intense competition and personal stakes in these matchups have made them must-watch events, drawing in both longtime WNBA fans and new viewers who are intrigued by the rivalry.
Drama on the court
Sunday's game between the Fever and the Sky was a prime example of the drama that fuels this rivalry. The Fever won 91-83, with Clark nearly posting a triple-double with 23 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Reese, meanwhile, secured her sixth consecutive double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. However, the game was marked by a flagrant foul when Reese struck Clark in the head while attempting to block a shot.
Reese defended her actions, calling it a “basketball play” and expressing frustration with the officiating.
“I can't control the refs. They obviously affected the game a lot tonight,” Reese said.
Benefits of rivalries in sports
Rivalries have long been a staple in sports, driving viewership and fan engagement. Hall of Fame players like Sue Bird and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert have emphasized the importance of developing rivalries in the league. The competition between Clark and Reese, along with the growing rivalry between the Fever and the Sky, fits this mold perfectly. It mirrors historic rivalries in other sports that have helped elevate leagues to new heights.
Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald even likened the potential impact of Clark and Reese to the legendary rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in the NBA, suggesting it could be “obviously good for the league.”
Beyond the Clark-Reese rivalry
The rivalry extends beyond Clark and Reese to the teams themselves. The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky are developing their own competitive dynamic, marked by physical play and intense games. The Fever's recent victories over the Sky, including a controversial game where Chennedy Carter of the Sky committed a flagrant foul on Clark, have added to this burgeoning rivalry. During the June 1 game, Carter's foul on Clark went viral, highlighting the physicality and intensity of these matchups. Carter was penalized with a Flagrant 1 foul and later criticized Clark's skills on social media, further fueling the rivalry.
The tension and competitiveness between the Fever and the Sky are helping to build a storyline that is compelling for viewers and beneficial for the league.
The rivalry has also drawn in new fans who were captivated by Clark’s and Reese’s college careers. These fans are now following their careers in the WNBA, contributing to the league's growing viewership and popularity.
Despite the drama, or perhaps because of it, these rivalries are drawing in record viewership and increasing the league's popularity. As Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continue to excel, their competition will likely remain a focal point of interest, helping to elevate the WNBA to new heights.
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