WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently discussed Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark during an appearance on CNBC. Clark and Reese have been mentioned alongside one another over the past few years. Their brewing rivalry has been a talking point throughout the 2024 WNBA campaign, although the discussion may lose momentum this season as Reese recently suffered a season-ending wrist injury. Nevertheless, Engelbert believes the "rivalry" between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky star rookies is beneficial for the WNBA.
"It is a little of that (Larry) Bird-Magic (Johnson) moment," Engelbert said," if you recall from 1979... Those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two (Reese, Clark). But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. That's what makes people watch."
Engelbert then acknowledged that the atmosphere is different today given the impact of social media. Reese recently admitted that fans have made disgusting comments toward her. Although players attempt to ignore social media, the noise can still be difficult to completely tune out.
To Reese's credit, she has handled the noise extremely well. Clark has received no shortage of attention and is the favorite to win the 2024 WNBA MVP Award. Reese's impressive rookie season has been overlooked at times as a result. Yet, Reese has maintained her confidence.
Angel Reese-Caitlin Clark "rivalry"
Both Reese and Clark have shut down the "rivalry" narrative. They seem to get along and have respect for one another. The fact of the matter is that Reese and Clark were engaged in multiple competitive and impactful games in college against one another, something that has continued into the WNBA.
It does not matter if Reese and Clark are best friends, enemies or anything in between. The rivalry narrative will likely be around for the remainder of their careers even if it does slow down in 2024 with Reese out due to injury.
Engelbert's comments received some backlash on social media. But the WNBA has seen an immense increase in attendance in 2024, and it is not a coincidence that 2024 also happens to be Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark's rookie seasons.