The rivalry between WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese took a heated turn this week, but this time, it wasn’t just the players making headlines. Angel Webb Reese, the mother of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, ignited a firestorm on social media after taking a pointed jab at Clark’s fanbase following the Indiana Fever’s season-opening rout against the Sky on May 17, 2025. The game, which saw Clark deliver a historic triple-double, shattered attendance records and drew unprecedented ratings, prompting a visceral reaction from Reese’s mother that has divided fans and analysts alike.
The Indiana Fever’s 93-58 victory over the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was a showcase of Clark’s dominance. The 22-year-old guard became the first WNBA player to record 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in a season opener, cementing her status as a generational talent. The game drew a sellout crowd, with tickets reportedly selling out in just 45 minutes, a testament to Clark’s massive draw. Viewership numbers also soared, with the matchup becoming one of the most-watched WNBA games in recent history, further solidifying Clark’s impact on the league’s growing popularity.
However, the spotlight shifted when Angel Webb Reese posted on X, seemingly targeting Clark’s fans. Referencing the Fever’s packed arena, she wrote, “Aww that certain fan base looking in the stands celebrating ‘attendance’ while others are looking up in the rafters celebrating championship banners. We ain’t the same. Different year same haters.” The post, which alluded to LSU’s 2023 NCAA Championship win over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, was widely interpreted as shade toward Clark and her supporters. The comment reignited tensions from the players’ college days, when Reese famously taunted Clark during the title game.
The reaction was swift and polarized. Clark’s fans flooded X, slamming Webb Reese for what they called petty behavior. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” one user wrote, referencing Angel Reese’s own history of provocative gestures. Others defended Webb Reese, arguing that her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments was justified and that Clark’s fans were overly sensitive. The controversy escalated as some accused Webb Reese of fueling a toxic narrative, with one analyst noting, “This kind of rhetoric distracts from the game and pits two incredible athletes against each other unnecessarily.”
On the court, both players downplayed the drama. Clark, addressing a flagrant foul she committed on Reese during the game, called it a “basketball play” and dismissed any malicious intent. Reese, who recorded a double-double, echoed Clark’s sentiment, focusing on the competition rather than off-court noise. Yet, the incident underscores the intense scrutiny both players face as they navigate their rivalry, which has captivated women’s basketball since their college showdowns.
As the WNBA season unfolds, the Clark-Reese saga continues to drive narratives, ratings, and debates. While their on-court battles elevate the sport, off-court controversies like this highlight the challenges of fame in the social media era. For now, fans await the next chapter in this gripping rivalry.
