The opening week of the WNBA tipped off with fireworks–just not the kind fans were expecting. What started as a hard-nosed “basketball play” between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese quickly spiraled into something much bigger, with racial allegations and fan behavior thrust into the spotlight. The WNBA had no choice but to launch an official investigation into what unfolded after the heated exchange. And according to several analysts, this kind of controversy does more than just stir headlines–it impacts the WNBA product as a whole.
One thing’s for sure–when Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese share the court, people tune in. Their rivalry has become must-watch TV, dating back to their epic showdown in the 2024 NCAA Tournament that pulled in a staggering 12.3 million viewers. Fast forward to the pros, and the buzz hasn’t slowed down. Their W clash last June drew a massive 2.25 million viewers on a Sunday afternoon on CBS and improved to 2.7 million on ABC last Saturday. When these two go head-to-head, the numbers speak for themselves.
And it’s not like the WNBA isn’t aware of the buzz. Instead of the standard four regular-season meetings, the league bumped up the Fever vs. Sky matchup to five games this season–clearly a move to cash in on the viewership spike. At least, that’s what Seerat Sohi from The Ringer’s WNBA podcast believes.
On the show, she pointed out, “To the extent that this matchup between the Fever and the Sky has become a point of viewing–it’s for all the wrong reasons. In the meantime, I think they can be replaced by other matchups. The Fever don’t even play Minnesota–a potential Finals matchup–until late August. I’d much rather watch the Sky play the Aces, just for their frontcourt battle.”
May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts to a flagrant foul from Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-IndyStar via Imagn Images
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever aren’t true rivals—at least not yet. Both franchises are in very different phases of their journey. The Sky aren’t quite the title contenders, and naturally, Caitlin Clark holds the upper hand in her head-to-head against Angel Reese with a 4-1 record. But despite the on-court gap, any matchup between the two draws massive viewership thanks to the star power involved. The problem? These games are sparking more conversations about drama than basketball.
Where it must be about title contenders Minnesota challenging the new look Fever or the Aces’ veteran front court of Kiah Stokes and A’ja Wilson taking on the young core of Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese, it has become more about the unwanted narrative. And that’s not the way forward if the goal is to grow the W. “Why can’t we get 4 or 5 of those and 3 of Sky-Fever?” the host questions. “Is it a lack of faith in the product to stand on its own? Which is a much larger and wrong-headed issue considering how much the league is growing beyond Clark.”
As Seerat says, having the Sky and Fever play five times in the regular season feels more like a ratings play than a basketball decision. A Sky vs. Aces clash could offer a lot more in terms of tactical intrigue. The Fever won’t even face Napheesa Collier and company until August 22nd. That’s a missed chance to highlight two of the league’s most exciting teams. Analyst Rachel DeMita shared the sentiment when she spoke of the dram drawing away from the game itself.
“Like this is too much. I am not here for the politics. I am not here for the reality show element, I am not here for race wars… I am here for the basketball,” she had echoed.
But as always, Caitlin Clark didn’t let the noise get to her. While the headlines swirled with controversy, she quietly went about doing what she does best–breaking records. Just two games into the new season and she’s already added multiple milestones to her name. Classic Caitlin Clark things!
Caitlin Clark can’t stop making new records!
Even though Caitlin Clark’s double-double against the Atlanta Dream couldn’t quite complete the Fever’s 14-point comeback as they fell short by a single point–she’s still making history with every game. As per the official WNBA account on X, Clark shattered multiple records yet again. She’s rewriting the record books one game at a time.
To start, she tied Courtney Vandersloot for the most 20+ point, 10+ assist games in league history–achieving the feat in just 42 games compared to Vandersloot’s 394. But of course, it didn’t stop there. Clark also became the first player ever to open a WNBA season with back-to-back games of 20+ points and 10+ assists. On top of that, she’s now the only player in league history with multiple games of 25+ points, 10+ assists, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ three-pointers.
And maybe the most impressive part? Clark just notched her sixth career game with at least 25 points and 10 assists. That puts her ahead of Sabrina Ionescu for the most in WNBA history. She’s doing this in just her second season.
Whether it’s four games or five between the Fever and Sky, one thing’s for sure–if Caitlin Clark is playing, the fans will show up. She’s just that captivating. But here’s the thing: the WNBA has way more to offer than just one rivalry. There are talented teams loaded with stars who deserve just as much spotlight as the Sky. If the league truly wants to grow, it has to be about the basketball, not the headlines off the court.
The post WNBA’s Intentions Around Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese Isn’t Doing Indiana Fever Any Favors in National Reporter’s Bold Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.
