LSU rookie sensation and national champion Angel Reese is facing intense scrutiny after her WNBA debut with the Chicago Sky reportedly drew some of the lowest preseason TV ratings in league history, prompting online comparisons to fellow rookie Caitlin Clark. But instead of staying silent, Reese came out swinging—and her message is loud and clear: Don’t count her out.
The controversy ignited after ESPN’s viewership numbers were muted this week, showing a stark contrast between Reese’s preseason games and the record-breaking ratings that followed Caitlin Clark’s every move with Indiana fever. The disparity was enough to set social media ablaze, with critics pointing fingers at Reese’s media presence and outspoken style—but the 6’3″ forward was having none of it.
Low numbers, noisy reactions
According to early reports, the Chicago Sky’s recent preseason game—which marked Reese’s professional debut—drew significantly fewer viewers than expected. In contrast, Caitlin Clark’s games have consistently broken viewership records, achieving audience numbers unseen in WNBA preseason history.
The backlash was swift and sometimes brutal.
“Angel Reese just got humiliated by the TV ratings,” said one commenter on X. “She talked the talk, but now the numbers are talking.”
Some experts have suggested the gap was the result of different playing styles, public personas, or even political narratives built around the two players—with Clark seen as a favorite and Reese portrayed as a divisive figure. This narrative gained steam during last year’s NCAA Tournament, when their on-court rivalry drew both admiration and backlash.
Reese replies: “You’re all going to watch eventually.”
But if critics thought Reese would keep quiet, they clearly underestimated his fire.
In a now-viral Instagram post, Reese fired back, posting a photo of herself in uniform with the caption:
“You’re all going to watch eventually. Wait.”
The message was short, direct, and provocative—exactly the kind of tone fans have come to expect from the self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie.”
“I’m not here to be liked,” Reese said at a preseason press conference last week. “I’m here to win. If that makes people uncomfortable, that’s on them.”
Double standards and media narratives?
Reese’s defenders say the controversy reflects something deeper: a long-standing double standard in how Black female athletes are treated by the media. Supporters argue that Reese’s confidence is unfairly framed as arrogance, while Clark’s similar swagger is often praised as passion.
Former WNBA star Cappie Pondexter weighed in, suggesting the public is too quick to dismiss rising stars who don’t fit the expected mold.
“Angel is unapologetically herself—and the league needs that kind of authenticity,” Pondexter said. “Let’s not forget, she’s still adapting. Give her time.”
A star still doing
Despite the early stumbles, many analysts believe Reese’s long-term impact on the league could be just as profound as Clark’s—especially if she continues to develop on the court and find her groove in the pros.
“The WNBA isn’t built in a week,” said Fox Sports analyst Jason Whitlock. “Angel Reese has charisma, talent, and edge. That combination doesn’t always show up right away—but when it does, she’s unstoppable.”
Reese’s camp remains confident that his brand will grow as the season progresses – and that the noise around preseason numbers will eventually fade in favor of wins, highlights and actual stats.
In the front: eyes on the regular season
The Chicago sky is preparing for the official season opener, and all eyes will be on whether Reese can turn the early criticism into motivation.
She’s already proven she thrives under pressure—silencing doubters in college to embrace the spotlight as a bold voice in women’s sports. And now, with the stakes higher than ever, Reese has the chance to reshape the conversation entirely.
Conclusion: Don’t count her out yet
Angel Reese may not have won the preseason ratings war, but one thing is for sure—she’s not going quietly. In a league desperate for stars, rivalries, and personalities, Reese provides all three.
And if her message is anything to go by, she’s betting the world will be watching – soon enough.
