Angel Reese, rising star of the Chicago Sky and former LSU standout, has stirred intense conversation after attributing a massive drop in NCAA Women’s Final Four viewership to racism. The 2024 tournament saw a shocking 71% decline in audience numbers compared to the previous year, translating to over 10 million fewer viewers. While some expected the decline to stem from game quality or lack of star power, Reese offered a bold perspective: she believes racial bias was a driving factor behind the plummeting interest.
In 2023, the NCAA Women’s Tournament captivated the nation. The fierce rivalry between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa and Reese’s LSU was the highlight, drawing over 18 million viewers. It wasn’t just a sports event—it was a cultural moment packed with tension, talent, and drama. Reese was at the center of this spectacle, helping to elevate women’s college basketball to new heights. However, the magic of that tournament didn’t carry over into 2024, despite the presence of top-tier teams and competitive matchups.
Reese didn’t hold back in her response to the viewership collapse. She argued that the shift away from white players at the forefront may have led to disengagement from young, mostly white female viewers. “Y’all only watched last year because of the white girls,” she stated, describing the situation as blatant racism. According to Reese, when Black athletes are spotlighted, some segments of the audience lose interest, a trend she believes reflects deeper issues in society.
Her comments quickly sparked a polarized reaction. Critics have accused her of oversimplifying a complex issue and failing to consider other legitimate factors, such as weaker media promotion or less engaging rivalries. They argue that attributing the drop solely to racism ignores the tournament’s responsibility to maintain consistent excitement and build compelling narratives around its players. On the other hand, supporters of Reese believe she is shedding light on an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about how race influences sports engagement.
The debate continues to evolve, reflecting broader tensions within sports and society. Reese’s remarks challenge fans, analysts, and organizers to examine how race and representation affect audience behavior. While some may disagree with her conclusions, her willingness to confront difficult topics has added a new layer to the ongoing dialogue about equity in athletics. Whether or not her claims are universally accepted, Reese has once again ensured that her voice—like her performance on the court—won’t be ignored.
