Chicago, IL – March 06, 2025 – The WNBA offseason just got a whole lot spicier, and it’s all thanks to a ticket price drama that’s got fans—and players—talking. Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s electrifying forward, is reportedly fuming after learning that tickets to her upcoming exhibition games are languishing at bargain-bin prices, while her rival, Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, is commanding a jaw-dropping $1,000 per seat for her sold-out preseason matchups. The disparity has reignited their blockbuster rivalry, leaving the basketball world buzzing with debates about stardom, fairness, and the meteoric rise of women’s hoops.
It all started earlier this week when ticket platforms released pricing for the 2025 WNBA preseason slate. Caitlin Clark’s much-anticipated return to the court with the Fever—an exhibition game against the Brazilian national team at Iowa—sold out in a record-breaking 36 minutes, with resale tickets skyrocketing to $1,000 on StubHub. Meanwhile, Reese’s Chicago Sky, set to face Brazil in a similar showcase at LSU, still has seats available for as low as $29. The stark contrast didn’t sit well with the “Bayou Barbie,” who took to X to vent her frustration. “Y’all really out here sleeping on me like this?” she posted late Tuesday night, followed by a string of fire emojis and a pointed, “Numbers don’t lie, but this feels personal.”
Reese’s reaction isn’t just about pride—it’s a cry against what she sees as an unfair spotlight. The 22-year-old LSU legend, who led the Tigers to a 2023 NCAA championship and became a double-double machine in her rookie WNBA season, has long been a fan favorite for her tenacity and larger-than-life persona. Yet, Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year and NCAA all-time leading scorer, seems to have captured the lion’s share of the hype—and the ticket sales. “I bring the energy, the hustle, the wins—where’s my respect?” Reese reportedly told teammates, according to an insider close to the Sky. “Caitlin’s killing it, no doubt, but this gap? It’s wild.”
The numbers tell a tale of two stars. Clark’s Fever games in 2024 averaged over 15,000 fans per home game, with her presence credited for a 93% surge in ticket sales compared to the previous year. Reese’s Sky, while also seeing a boost, trailed behind, with attendance peaking during their head-to-head matchups against Clark—a game that drew $884 average ticket prices on the secondary market. Now, as the 2025 season looms, Clark’s star power appears to be pulling even further ahead, leaving Reese and her camp feeling undervalued.
Fans are split down the middle. On X, one user wrote, “Caitlin’s a phenomenon—those $1,000 tickets prove she’s the face of the league. Angel’s great, but she’s not moving the needle like that.” Another fired back, “Angel’s getting robbed here. She’s a champ, a vibe, and a beast on the court—$29 tickets are disrespectful.” The debate has only fueled the narrative of their rivalry, which kicked off in the 2023 NCAA title game when Reese famously taunted Clark with a ring gesture after LSU’s victory. Since then, their every encounter—on and off the court—has been must-watch drama.
But is it really unfair? Analysts point to Clark’s transcendent appeal: her long-range shooting, record-breaking college career, and a Nike deal reportedly worth $28 million have made her a global sensation. Reese, with her own multi-million-dollar Reebok endorsement and a magnetic social media presence (2.5 million Instagram followers and counting), isn’t exactly struggling for attention. Yet, the ticket price gap suggests a market that’s crowning Clark as the WNBA’s golden goose, while Reese fights to prove she’s more than a supporting act.
As the offseason heats up, all eyes are on these two phenoms. Reese has vowed to “turn up the heat” in 2025, hinting at a revenge tour that’ll silence the doubters. Clark, ever the cool competitor, hasn’t commented directly but posted a cryptic “Just keep working” on her story, alongside a clip of her draining a three-pointer. One thing’s for sure: when these two clash on opening night—May 17, Sky vs. Fever—the tickets, no matter the price, will be the hottest in town. Buckle up, basketball fans—this rivalry’s just getting started, and it’s already a slam dunk for the ages.
