WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is aware of the growth of the league. More and more fans don’t want to miss a game and are selling out every game.
However, one thing that has boosted these numbers is seeing Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese on the court and, of course, their rivalry.
This fact does not escape Engelbert, who admitted that rivalries like Clark vs. Reese can be powerful and appealing to the public that followed them since college, but only if it comes with respect.
During his dialogue with “The David Rubenstein Show” he clarified his point of view:
In women’s sports, it’s sometimes complicated by hostility on social media, which we denounce. It’s terrible what some of these players have to endure…the hatred, the hostility, the misogyny, the homophobia, the racism; there’s no place for that in sports.
The commissioner recounted that when she came to the league in 2019 people watched games for their importance, for the rivalry or for big names. At that time they didn’t have names as well known as Clark and Reese are now and without a doubt this has given a big boost to the league to provide shows of great level.
Reese vs. Clark rivalry
Caitlin Clark dazzled everyone during her rookie season in 2024, taking 66 of 67 votes for Rookie of the Year. The remaining vote went to Angel Reese.
The Sky forward averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds, but Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists and led the Indiana Fever to the Playoffs after almost 8 years.
In this new season about to start, both are expected to shine for their teams. Will it affect their rivalry off the court?
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