Angel Reese has quickly established herself as both a formidable athlete and a strategic brand-builder in the WNBA, even capitalizing on Caitlin Clark‘s own image – despite the pair being historic rivals.
The Chicago Sky star’s recent decision to align her sneaker debut with a high-profile matchup against the 23-year-old Indiana Fever sensation on June 8 reveals a calculated business mindset that prioritizes visibility and long-term market impact over personal feuds.
In the documentary Shaquille O’Neal: Reebok’s Masterstroke, the ex-Los Angeles Laker, known for his own entrepreneurial side, makes a direct pitch to Reese: to use a game against Clark to introduce her new signature shoe.
The idea, O’Neal explains, is simple yet potent: With Clark‘s popularity driving record-breaking viewership for the WNBA, the promotional value of facing her on such a stage is undeniable.
“In a perfect world, say yes, please say yes. What is it? In a perfect world, I would like you to debut them against Caitlin Clark,” Shaq says in the film and Reese, who shares roots with O’Neal from the LSU Tigers, doesn’t hesitate as she quickly affirms the suggestion.
While the Sky’s ace and Clark have developed a competitive relationship dating back to their 2023 NCAA championship battle, where Reese’s LSU squad defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, the acceptance of O’Neal‘s proposal acknowledges something deeper.
For all the on-court tension and public rivalry, the Chicago talent understands that Clark‘s fame brings unparalleled attention, and pairing her personal brand with that spotlight is a move rooted in strategy, not emotion – and this is not the first time she’s done so either.
She also cultivated a partnership with Reebok, backed heavily by her NBA Hall of Famer mentor, who has become one of her most influential supporters off the court as she now finds herself set to launch a signature sneaker line in 2026.
There is a hint or irony, however. Reese has publicly challenged the media and fans for focusing too much on Clark and suggesting she is not the sole reason the WNBA is in a golden era of popularity. Yet she willingly taps into that image when it’s convenient.
Who do Reese and the Sky play next?
Reese, after making the 2024 WNBA All-Star and All-Rookie teams last season, is averaging 11.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in 2025, with 3.6 assists.
She is preparing to face the Phoenix Suns on June 21 as the Sky look for a rare win in 2025, hoping to secure their fourth of the campaign to improve to .333 as they sit 11th overall in the WNBA standings.
Who do Clark and the Fever play next?
Clark has missed time due to injury, but is averaging 21.3 points, 8.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game upon making her Fever return.
She will next take on the Golden State Valkyries on June 20, looking to make it a seventh win of the campaign for Indiana.
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