The ongoing rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has taken another turn after Reese publicly criticized ESPN’s decision to name Clark the Rookie of the Year (ROTY). The Chicago Sky star did not hold back, suggesting that Clark has manipulated the media to her advantage while also questioning the reliability of ESPN’s rankings. This latest controversy has reignited debates among basketball fans and analysts, further intensifying the competition between these two rising WNBA stars.
Angel Reese, known for her outspoken nature, has always embraced her role as a vocal competitor. Since entering the WNBA, she has consistently challenged media narratives, and her latest remarks regarding Caitlin Clark are no exception. In a recent interview, Reese expressed her frustration with how Clark has been portrayed in the media, implying that the Indiana Fever guard has used certain narratives to boost her public image.
Reese’s comments came shortly after ESPN officially recognized Caitlin Clark as the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year. While Clark has undoubtedly delivered impressive performances, Reese believes the media’s favoritism played a role in this decision. She pointed out that Clark’s statistics and influence have been exaggerated to fit a narrative that benefits her over other rookies. Reese even went as far as to claim that the media, including ESPN, has been “protecting” Clark while downplaying the contributions of other rookies.
The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark dates back to their college basketball days, where their on-court battles drew national attention. While Clark was often praised for her scoring ability and deep shooting range, Reese dominated the paint with her rebounding and defensive skills. Their contrasting playing styles made them two of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball. Now, as they continue their professional careers, the tension between them has only grown stronger.
After ESPN released its rankings, Reese took to social media to express her frustration. She did not mince words, calling the rankings “unreliable” and urging fans to look beyond the media hype. According to Reese, these rankings fail to accurately reflect the impact of all rookies, instead favoring narratives that align with certain media-driven storylines. Many of her supporters agreed, arguing that ESPN’s coverage often centers on Clark while neglecting other talented players.
This is not the first time Angel Reese has called out media bias. Throughout her career, she has spoken openly about the challenges Black female athletes face in receiving fair media representation. She has previously criticized the way she and other players are portrayed compared to their white counterparts, pointing out discrepancies in coverage, praise, and criticism. Her remarks about Clark fit into this larger discussion about race, media influence, and sports narratives.
While Caitlin Clark has not directly responded to Reese’s comments, her supporters have been quick to defend her. Many argue that Clark’s performances justify the media attention she receives. With record-breaking scoring achievements and undeniable star power, Clark has consistently drawn massive viewership, which some believe naturally explains ESPN’s focus on her. However, Reese and her supporters maintain that media bias still plays a role in shaping public perception.
This controversy has sparked a larger conversation about how media influence affects player recognition. Are ESPN’s rankings truly based on merit, or do they reflect a bias toward more marketable stars? Reese’s criticisms highlight the flaws in sports media’s approach to covering women’s basketball, where certain players receive disproportionate praise while others are overlooked.
Despite the media attention surrounding Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese continues to prove her worth on the court. As a key player for the Chicago Sky, she has demonstrated dominance in rebounding, defense, and leadership. While Clark may be celebrated for her offensive skill set, Reese’s all-around contributions should not be ignored. Her consistent performances have solidified her status as one of the league’s most impactful rookies, even if ESPN’s rankings suggest otherwise.
The debate surrounding ESPN’s recognition of Caitlin Clark as ROTY is unlikely to fade anytime soon. As the WNBA season progresses, both Clark and Reese will have opportunities to prove themselves on the court. Regardless of media narratives, their rivalry will continue to captivate fans and elevate the league’s popularity.
Reese’s willingness to speak out against perceived media bias reflects her confidence and competitive spirit. While some may view her comments as controversial, others see them as necessary for challenging unfair narratives in women’s sports. Whether or not ESPN’s rankings are truly unreliable, one thing is certain—Angel Reese is determined to make her voice heard and her presence felt in the WNBA.
