The 2024 WNBA season was dominated by the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two young stars who were both selected in the first round of the draft. Clark played for the Indiana Fever while Reese played for the Chicago Sky, and both players were vying for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Ultimately, Clark’s strong performance helped lead the Fever to the playoffs and a 20-win season, giving her a strong case for the award. Meanwhile, Reese suffered a season-ending wrist injury, putting a damper on her rookie season.
The rivalry between Clark and Reese began during the 2023 women’s basketball national championship game between Reese’s LSU team and Clark’s Iowa team. Reese’s taunt towards Clark sparked the rivalry, which only grew stronger after Iowa defeated LSU in the tournament the following season. Both players spoke about the impact of their rivalry on women’s sports, with Reese acknowledging that the game had changed her life and Clark expressing the hope that trash-talking would become normalized in women’s sports as it is in men’s sports. Despite their rivalry, both players recognized each other as great competitors and hoped to one day be teammates.
Clark made history by becoming the first rookie to make the All-WNBA 1st Team since 2008, a testament to her exceptional talent and impact on the league. Both players were credited with bringing new fans to the WNBA during their rookie season, and they expressed a desire to continue growing the sport in the future. As the season came to a close, both Clark and Reese planned to take the offseason to regroup and prepare for their next ventures. Reese was set to play in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled basketball league, while Clark had her sights set on a golf pro-am the following month.
Overall, the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese was a defining storyline of the 2024 WNBA season, capturing the attention of fans and sparking a conversation about women’s sports. Despite their competitive nature, both players recognized each other’s talents and impact on the game, expressing a desire to continue growing the sport and potentially teaming up in the future. As they embarked on their offseason activities, both Clark and Reese remained focused on their respective careers and the potential for even greater success in the seasons to come.
