The early stages of the 2025 WNBA season have been marked by controversy, and once again, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are at the center of the conversation.
What began as a high-profile rivalry between two of college basketball’s brightest stars has now grown into a national spotlight issue in the professional ranks, exacerbated by off-court narratives and allegations of fan misconduct.
During the Chicago Sky‘s 93-58 loss to the Indiana Fever on May 17, reports surfaced alleging racist and hateful comments directed at Reese from fans in the stands. In response, the WNBA issued a statement confirming it had launched an investigation.
“The WNBA strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms – they have no place in our league or in society,” the league said. “We are aware of the allegations and are looking into the matter.”
Caitlin Clark, now the face of the Fever franchise, addressed the reports by affirming that she did not hear any offensive remarks but supports a thorough inquiry.
“There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena – whether player or fan – to have a great experience.”
Angel Reese’s mother fires back at Clark’s supporters
While both Reese and Clark have publicly downplayed any personal feud, the tension between their respective supporters continues to flare. That tension reached a new level when Angel Reese’s mother, also named Angel, shared her unfiltered thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).
Reacting to Clark fans who were celebrating attendance figures at Fever games, Reese‘s mother delivered a pointed reminder of her daughter’s accomplishments at LSU.
“Aww that certain fan base looking in the stands celebrating ‘attendance’ while others are looking up in the rafters celebrating championship banners,” she wrote. “We ain’t the same. Different year same haters. Have a great day.”
The comment referred to LSU’s 2023 NCAA championship, in which Reese‘s Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa squad. While Clark has continued to bring sell-out crowds and media attention to the WNBA, Reese’s family has emphasized that team success – not fanfare – is what truly matters.
The Sky-Fever game included a respectful pregame handshake between the two stars, but the backdrop of racial tensions and public criticism has left a cloud over what should have been a celebratory moment for the league.
The situation raises broader questions about how the WNBA handles player safety, fan behavior, and the ongoing racial and cultural narratives that now follow its most prominent players.
As both Reese and Clark continue to define a new generation of women’s basketball, their individual rivalry and the dynamics surrounding it will likely shape headlines all season long – on and off the court.
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