At a surprising moment after the game, Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, did not hold his emotions after entering the court in front of a visibly disappointing crowd, a marked contrast with the electrifying atmosphere he experienced just a few days before when he faced Indiana Fever’s novice sensation, Caitlin Clark.
After a disappointing defeat in what many expected it to be a routine game of the WNBA, Reese sat in front of the journalists and expressed his frustration, not only because of the result of the party, but for what he described as “a clear lack of respect” towards the teams when Clark is not involved.
“They only appear when Caitlin Clark is in the stadium,” said Reese without Rodeos, looking at the almost empty stadium. “Where is that same energy when we are only playing? We work just as hard. We play just as hard. We deserve that same support.”
The outburst quickly viralized, unleashing a controversy on social networks. The fans discussed if Reese was unjustly attacking or simply expressing what many players have been feeling years: that women’s sports, especially WNBA, still fight to get constant attention unless it is a viral star.
Reese, NCAA champion in 2023 and one of the most promising emerging stars in the League, has never hesitated to express their opinion. His fierce competitiveness and his personality have not made it both a favorite of the fans and in the target of criticism. But this time, it was clear that the problem was more serious.
“Look, respect Caitlin. She is an incredible player. He has contributed a lot to the growth of sport,” said Reese. “But a single player should not be enough for people to look at us. We are all here trying to the fullest.”
His comments occurred after the Sky played in a stadium with visibly empty seats, a marked difference with crowded stadiums that followed their recent games with Clark. That confrontation had broken records of assistance and audience, which gave hope that female basketball would finally enter a new era of popularity.
But the rapid drop in the participation of fans without Clark highlighted a frustrating reality.
Several companions nodded during Reese’s words after the game, visibly showing their agreement with their message. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon later added: «Angel is passionate. He wants to win and wants the league to succeed. What he said tonight arose from a feeling of pride and frustration.
Throughout the league, other players joined in social networks. Natasha Cloud, from the Phoenix Mercury, tweeted: “Acts. We have all been saying. Support has to be constant, not only viral.”
Even so, others criticized Reese for turning the moment into an event about herself. “He is young and emotional. He will learn,” said a commentator in a national sports chain. “But getting fans’ attention may not be the best way to gain their trust.”
You agree or not with his speech, Reese’s words resonated in a league that still seeks to consolidate in the national scene. His message was high and clear: female basketball is more than a simple player, and his stars deserve more than a simple passing applause.
With the season still in its beginnings, the WNBA faces a unique challenge: convert viral peaks into long -term loyalty. And Angel Reese, the Ames or Odies, has awakened a debate that the League cannot afford to ignore.
When Reese left the press room, one thing was safe: he would not turn back.
