In a tale of two rookies that’s now impossible to ignore, Caitlin Clark is once again dominating headlines — and social media feeds — while Angel Reese, her highly publicized rival, is struggling to generate the same buzz… or sell tickets.
The contrast came into full view this week as Clark’s latest viral clip — a behind-the-back dime followed by a deep three — soared past 12 million views across TikTok and YouTube Shorts, while multiple reports confirmed that ticket sales for upcoming Chicago Sky games, led by Reese, have begun to decline, raising red flags among WNBA insiders and sponsors alike.
“Caitlin’s bringing in crowds, cameras, and cash. Angel’s still searching for consistency — on and off the court,” one league executive admitted anonymously.
And now, for the first time this season, fans are starting to say out loud what many analysts have been quietly hinting: The hype is no longer equal.
Caitlin Clark’s Viral Run Continues
The clip that broke the internet this week? A seemingly effortless play during a Fever open practice, where Clark evaded a double team with a behind-the-back pass, stepped behind the arc, and drained a logo-range three — all in one motion.
It was posted by the Indiana Fever’s official account and reposted by ESPN, Bleacher Report, Barstool Sports, and even Steph Curry, who commented:
“Cold.”
Within 36 hours:
The video had racked up 12M+ views
“#ClarkShow” and “#LogoCaitlin” trended across platforms
Fever merchandise surged again on Fanatics, making Clark the top-selling jersey in American women’s sports this week
This kind of reach isn’t just rare — it’s unheard of for a WNBA player, let alone a rookie.
“Clark isn’t just making shots. She’s making moments,” said Fox Sports analyst Jason McIntyre. “And those moments are driving real revenue.”
Meanwhile in Chicago: Empty Seats and Murmurs
In stark contrast, the Chicago Sky are facing a problem few expected during preseason hype: empty sections at home games.
Despite Angel Reese being one of the most marketed rookies of the year, recent attendance data shows a downward trend. Ticket resale prices for Sky games on StubHub have dipped below $12 in some lower-tier matchups — less than half the average for games featuring Clark.
Promotional campaigns have had limited effect, and even viral marketing collaborations haven’t sparked a significant bump in demand.
“There’s interest, but it’s not translating to turnout,” said a Sky front-office staffer. “The numbers are what they are.”
This wouldn’t be such a headline if it weren’t for the constant narrative pushed by WNBA PR earlier this year: Clark vs. Reese as co-faces of the league.
But now, it’s clear — one is leading the pack, and the other is playing catch-up.
Reese Responds — And Fans Push Back
When asked this week about the disparity in coverage and crowd sizes, Angel Reese responded tersely:
“I’m doing what I do. I’m not here for clicks.”
The comment, while honest, set off another wave of debate online — with many fans accusing Reese of being dismissive of the same media engine that helped build her brand in college.
“If you don’t want clicks, maybe pro sports isn’t your lane,” one top comment read under ESPN’s clip of the interview.
Others defended her, saying the league and media should invest in storytelling beyond Clark.
But numbers don’t lie — and in the digital economy of sports, attention equals power.
The Divide Is Growing — And So Is the Pressure
The WNBA is now in a delicate position.
With Caitlin Clark clearly drawing the biggest crowds, media coverage, and merchandise sales — some players and fans are growing uncomfortable with the lopsided spotlight.
There have already been murmurs of resentment in locker rooms, with one unnamed player telling The Athletic:
“We all grind. But she gets the ESPN truck, and we get nothing? That’s not sustainable.”
Yet at the same time, it’s Clark who’s keeping arenas full, driving up viewership, and turning games into events.
It’s not favoritism — it’s economics.
Marketing Realities: What Brands Are Seeing
Behind the scenes, WNBA sponsors are paying attention to the numbers — and adjusting their strategy.
Nike, Gatorade, and AT&T have reportedly increased their budget around Indiana Fever activations while scaling back Sky-specific campaigns. Influencer collaborations and ad deals are increasingly being routed through Clark’s management team.
One executive put it bluntly:
“We follow the audience. Right now, the audience follows Caitlin Clark.”
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
Angel Reese is still a star in her own right — and her college resume, personality, and reach in certain demographics remain valuable.
But her transition to the WNBA has so far been inconsistent.
On the court: solid rebounding, limited scoring, occasional foul trouble.
Off the court: sharp media moments, polarizing soundbites, and now — a challenge to stay relevant as Clark soars.
To reclaim momentum, Reese may need a signature game, a viral highlight, or a shift in tone. Because the longer this gap widens, the harder it will be to close — especially with Clark entering every game like it’s a broadcast event.
Final Thought: A League Built on Parity Faces a Star Problem
For years, the WNBA has prided itself on team-first culture and shared spotlight. But Caitlin Clark has changed the equation.
She isn’t just another star.
She’s the star.
And as her content spreads across America faster than any player before her — while others struggle to fill arenas — the league must ask itself:
Can it handle the imbalance? Or will it try to fight what’s clearly unstoppable?
