The WNBA’s 2025 season tipped off with a bang on May 17, as the Chicago Sky faced the Indiana Fever in a highly anticipated matchup featuring two of the league’s brightest stars: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Their rivalry, which began in college and has since captivated basketball fans, took center stage as tensions flared, with Reese appearing ready to square up against Clark in a moment that set social media ablaze. This electrifying confrontation underscored the intensity of their competition and the cultural significance of their presence in the WNBA.
The roots of Reese and Clark’s rivalry trace back to the 2023 NCAA Championship, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. Reese’s iconic “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark sparked widespread debate, with some praising her confidence and others criticizing her sportsmanship. The following year, Clark and Iowa got revenge in the Elite Eight, but the competitive fire between the two has only grown. Now, as professionals, their matchups carry added weight, drawing record viewership and fueling discussions about race, stardom, and the future of women’s basketball.[](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/caitlin-clark-speaks-out-importance-beating-rivals-ahead-matchup-vs-angel-reese)[](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45068342/angel-reese-looks-erase-bad-taste-losing-rookie-season)
In the season opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the game was billed as a must-watch, with the WNBA even spotlighting it as part of the inaugural Rivals Week set for later in the season. Early in the game, a physical exchange between Reese and Clark had fans on the edge of their seats. As Clark drove to the basket, Reese, known for her tenacious defense, stepped up with a hard foul that sent Clark to the floor. The two exchanged heated words, and for a brief moment, Reese’s stance suggested she was ready for more than just verbal sparring. Social media erupted, with one X post capturing Reese’s fiery demeanor, quoting her as saying, “You crazy as f*ck,” to Clark.
While the moment didn’t escalate further, it highlighted the raw emotion that defines their rivalry. Reese, who averaged 13.6 points and a league-record 13.1 rebounds as a rookie, has made it clear she sees herself as a driving force in the WNBA’s surging popularity, not just Clark. Her comments last season about sharing credit for the league’s growth stirred controversy, and she doubled down by dodging a follow-up question at media day, simply saying, “Next question.” Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, lets her game do the talking, consistently delivering clutch performances.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/wnba/article-14712711/angel-reese-caitlin-clark-question-wnba.html)[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/angel-reese-shuts-down-reporter-171522744.html)[](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/45068342/angel-reese-looks-erase-bad-taste-losing-rookie-season)
The WNBA has leaned into this rivalry, recognizing its ability to draw crowds and spark debate. However, the league is also navigating challenges, implementing AI to monitor hate speech on social media amid racial tensions tied to the Reese-Clark dynamic. Reese has called out Clark’s fans for racist behavior, including allegations of AI-generated explicit images sent to her family, adding a complex layer to their competition.[](https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wnba-monitor-fans-ai-tech-crack-down-hate-speech-amid-caitlin-clark-angel-reese-rivalry-renewal)
As the final buzzer sounded, the game was less about the score and more about the narrative. Reese and Clark are not just athletes; they’re cultural lightning rods, pushing the WNBA to new heights while exposing its growing pains. Their rivalry is a gift to the sport, promising more unforgettable moments as the season unfolds
