Just a few years ago, the WNBA did not have names as well known as Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever or Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky are now, and this has undoubtedly given the league a big boost.
More and more WNBA fans don’t want to miss a game and are selling out tickets to games. Last year, for example, there was a 48% increase in attendance at games.
The matchups between the two stars have broken audience records. Their sporting rivalry began in college when Reese played for LSU and CC played for Iowa. For example, the season opener on May 17 drew more than 2.7 million viewers on ABC, the highest in 25 years.
This rivalry has put the two-time All-Stars in the spotlight. In this regard, former US First Lady Michelle Obama avoided taking sides in this confrontation. However, she reflected on the hatred they receive.
During her appearance on the podcast “All The Smoke,” the wife of former US President Barack Obama explained her thoughts on this dispute to her hosts and former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson:
“I think the tough thing is the social media element to it, but that’s true across the board,“ she began, referring to the negative comments both athletes receive. “These young kids today, what they have to go through and be able to withstand, because social media is such a huge part of their world, but now the hate is in your room on your phone with you all the time.”
“As you point out, that’s happening across sports across gender. It’s just harder now to withstand people’s horrible, horrible opinions,” Michelle emphasized.
The fans’ reaction
Their comments were well received by some fans: “Y’all did y’all big one here! Much love to Mrs. Obama and Craig!” wrote one fan. “Love this interview. Michelle Obama will forever be My First Lady,” said another. “The greatest First Lady in the history of America!!!! Good job Matt and Stak,” commented another user on YouTube.
However, others did not share her thoughts and did not sugarcoat the situation: “Michelle Obama is the first person I turn to for sports news,” one fan said sarcastically. “Stay out of sports,” one follower wrote. “We don’t care about their take,” added a third.
Meanwhile, during the 2025 season and her second year in the WNBA, Angel has averaged 14.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark averages 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. These numbers not only highlight the caliber of WNBA stars but also assure us that with them on the court, there will be a show.
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