WNBA Under Fire: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark's Rivalry Sparks Controversy

The WNBA is currently looking into some pretty serious allegations regarding “hateful fan comments” that were reportedly made during the season opener between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever in Indianapolis on May 17. While the league hasn’t named any specific players, it’s widely believed that the comments were aimed at Angel Reese, a rising star for the Sky.

In a statement released on May 18, the WNBA made it clear that they “strongly condemn racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms — they have no place in our league or in society.” They acknowledged the allegations and assured fans that they’re taking the matter seriously.

The game itself was a big deal, with the Fever coming out on top 93-58. It was one of those matchups everyone was buzzing about, especially since it featured Reese, 23, going head-to-head with Caitlin Clark, another 23-year-old star. Both players were part of the much-talked-about 2024 rookie class and had previously faced off in the 2023 NCAA championship game, where Reese’s LSU Tigers triumphed over Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85. Their rivalry has become a hot topic in the WNBA, and fans are all in on it.

But here’s the thing: both players have downplayed any notion of a rivalry. Reese has been pretty vocal about it, saying, “Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super competitive game.” Clark echoed those sentiments during her NCAA Tournament run, emphasizing that they’ve always been great competitors.

Still, it’s hard for fans not to get caught up in the drama. I mean, Reese’s infamous “can’t see me” gesture directed at Clark during the championship game definitely added some fuel to the fire. And when they both entered the WNBA, they quickly became the top two rookies, sparking a fierce Rookie of the Year race. Unfortunately, Reese’s season ended prematurely due to an injury, allowing Clark to take the lead.

Now, the specifics of what was allegedly said during the game remain unclear, but it’s worth noting that there was a moment of tension between the two players. In the third quarter, Clark was called for a flagrant 1 foul after knocking Reese to the ground while she was going for a rebound. It was a rare moment of conflict, and when Reese got up, she seemed ready to confront Clark, but teammates quickly intervened.

Interestingly, both players claimed they didn’t hear any of the comments, but media reports and fans have indicated that racial slurs were directed at Reese. This isn’t the first time the WNBA has faced issues with fan behavior. Last season, several players reported experiencing racist or threatening treatment from fans, prompting the league to launch its “No Space for Hate” campaign at the start of the 2025 season.

In one notable incident, DiJonai Carrington, who played for the Connecticut Sun at the time, accidentally poked Clark in the eye during a game. Even after both players confirmed it was an accident, Carrington received a barrage of death threats and racist comments from fans. Reese has also shared her own troubling experiences, claiming that some fans followed her home or even showed up at her house to threaten her. To make matters worse, she reported that fans used AI to create fake nude photos of her and shared them on social media.

The WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” initiative aims to create a safe environment for everyone involved in the league, promoting respect both online and in arenas. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated, “We believe that basketball can be a unifying force — a place where people from all walks of life come together not just to watch a game, but to connect.” She emphasized the need for arenas and social platforms to be filled with positive energy rather than hate.

Clark spoke to the media on May 20, just before the Fever faced off against the Atlanta Dream, and expressed her support for the ongoing investigation. “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” she said. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena — whether player or fan — to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that [investigation]. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that.”

Reese also chimed in, thanking the WNBA for their support. “Obviously, there’s no place in this league for that,” she said after practice. “I think the WNBA and our team and our organization have done a great job supporting me. I’ve had communication from everyone, from so many people across this league.”

Aliyah Boston, a Fever player who intervened during the scuffle between Reese and Clark, made a strong statement, saying, “No type of hate is ever welcomed here.” She added, “We, as athletes, have to make sure that fans know it’s OK to be passionate, to cheer us on, to get loud. But at the end of the day, it’s about respect. If it was your daughter out on the court, you would want that respect being shown. That has to be the mindset for every fan when they step into an arena.”

Both teams have shown their support for the investigation, which is still ongoing. Once it wraps up, it’ll be up to the league and the Fever to decide what actions, if any, should be taken against the fans involved.

Looking ahead, the Fever and Sky are set to meet again on June 7 in Chicago, with the Sky making two more trips to Indianapolis on August 9 and September 5. Fans are definitely going to be keeping an eye on this ongoing situation, as it’s clear that the rivalry between Reese and Clark is just heating up.