Angel Reese is no stranger to the spotlight. After her electrifying NCAA championship run and unapologetic attitude made headlines last year, she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball.
But now, just weeks into her WNBA rookie season with the Chicago Sky, the energy feels different — and the numbers may be catching up.
It all started at a routine post-game press conference. After a tough loss on home court, a reporter asked the question that’s been circling quietly among fans and analysts:
“Angel, do you still feel like you’re the reason people are watching women’s basketball?”
Reese paused. The room went silent.
Her answer?
“Next question.”
That clip, just five seconds long, has since racked up millions of views across social media. For some, it was a sign of maturity — refusing to take the bait. But for others, it was confirmation that the narrative has shifted.
Because while Caitlin Clark — the other face of this rising WNBA class — continues to break viewership records, fill 17,000-seat arenas, and dominate media coverage, Reese’s own games have struggled to attract major crowds.
The numbers don’t lie:
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Clark’s recent Fever game vs. the Liberty? Over 20,000 in attendance and the highest-rated WNBA game in 20 years.
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Reese’s Sky games? Averaging under 6,000 per home game — with rows of empty seats still visible on television broadcasts.
That contrast has reignited an ongoing debate: Was Angel Reese’s influence always real, or was it inflated by a single viral moment during March Madness?
Social media hasn’t held back.
“Clark’s pulling crowds. Reese is pulling headlines,” one user wrote.
“The ‘next question’ moment says everything. She knows,” another added.
But others defended Reese, arguing that market size, media bias, and fan demographics all play a role. After all, Caitlin Clark plays in Indiana — a state with a deeply rooted basketball culture and massive institutional support. Chicago’s WNBA fanbase, though passionate, doesn’t enjoy the same legacy.
So is this a Reese problem — or a league-wide reality?
Sports culture expert Jemele Hill offered her take in a recent post:
“Comparing attendance between two rookies misses the bigger point: both are stars, both are valuable, but the media doesn’t cover them the same. Let Angel grow without expecting her to carry a league overnight.”
Others believe Reese is simply facing the reality of transition. The NCAA spotlight — powered by social media, hype, and campus culture — is very different from the professional world, where wins, stats, and team success matter more than personal branding.
But Reese’s brand is what built her.
From her “Unapologetic” tattoo to her confident declarations, she positioned herself as a culture-shifter. A disruptor. The antihero to Clark’s classic heroine energy.
And that image worked — until it didn’t.
With the WNBA season underway, fans want more than quotes. They want results. Highlights. Wins. And while Reese has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds per game, it’s Clark who consistently lands on ESPN’s top plays.
“It’s not hate,” one analyst said. “It’s just math. Clark is doing what we said couldn’t be done — bring ratings, revenue, and sold-out seats. Reese still has time, but she needs to deliver on-court, not just online.”
Still, it’s far too early to count Reese out.
She remains one of the most marketable athletes in the league, with brand deals, fashion collabs, and a loyal Gen Z fanbase. She’s charismatic, fiercely competitive, and unafraid to challenge narratives — even when they turn against her.
And that “Next question” moment? It may not be a defeat — it might be a reset.
Because being a star isn’t just about the highs. It’s about how you handle the lows.
In her most recent Instagram post, Angel captioned a photo from practice:
“Still rising. Still me.”
The comment section was flooded with hearts, flame emojis, and encouragement from both fans and fellow athletes.
So maybe the real question isn’t whether Angel Reese is still the reason people are watching.
Maybe it’s whether she’s ready to evolve — from viral icon to long-term force.
Because hype fades. But greatness? That’s earned.
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