Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has emerged as a highly visible champion of Caitlin Clark and a fierce critic of Angel Reese.
Portnoy‘s unwavering support of Clark has often crossed into controversy. In multiple social media posts, he has openly expressed disdain for Reese, even stating that Caitlin Clark fans “have every reason to hate Angel Reese.”
That sentiment has stuck in the minds of many. His remarks after the Clark-Reese controversy that arose on opening night ignited strong reactions.
He insisted that Caitlin fans were justified and depicted Reese as an aggressor, labeling her an “instigator, agitator and [expletive]” in extended rants.
Courting controversy further, Portnoy recently brought Reese into a conversation initially focused on his interactions with StudBudz, the AllStar weekend streamers he praised.
StudBudz’s Courtney Williams commented, “All I know is I’m gonna show love to the people who show love to me… if he’s showing love, then it is what it is.”
Portnoy echoed that messaging on social media, but also added: “Yeah, I don’t like Angel, and I love Caitlin. It’s called sports.”
Fans criticized him for drawing Reese into the narrative when she wasn’t originally part of the discussion.
How fans are reacting to Portnoy’s rhetoric
As Portnoy‘s commentary has turned more personal, reactions from WNBA fans have grown more intense.
“Stop exploiting them u weirdo”, one wrote. Others accused him of taking things too far: “You not liking Angel like she did something to you is weird lmaoo you take it beyond the basketball court.”
Yet not all voices condemn him. Among some supporters, Portnoy is viewed as a genuine WNBA advocate, someone who draws attention to the league, supports its players, and stirs conversation.
He has even backed player efforts for better compensation, once calling dissenters “morons,” and floated buying a WNBA franchise in Boston for $250 million.
These supporters believe his loud, unapologetic style helps elevate the league’s visibility, even at the risk of controversy.
Meanwhile, media context underscores the broader tension. Reese has faced escalating online abuse since college, particularly after LSU’s 2023 national championship game, which intensified scrutiny on her personality and conduct.
Critics argue Portnoy‘s repeated jabs amplify toxic fan behavior, especially given that WNBA fandom has seen a surge in aggressive, tribalism-infused interactions from outside the traditional community.
Portnoy has also sparked debate by dismissing the WNBA’s investigation into alleged racist remarks directed at Reese during a recent Indiana Fever-Chicago Sky game.
He called the probe a media lure, calling the chants “totally made up” and insisting the crowd, including “little girls, families, ladies”, was not the source of racism.
“Unless something happened … which I know it didn’t … you’re lending credence to this,” he wrote. “Angel Reese deserved to get her ass booed when she attacked Caitlin… Other than that, what are you talking about?”
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