Angel Reese has sent ripples through the WNBA, revealing her hope to one day team up with her fiercest rival, Caitlin Clark. The two rookie sensations dominated headlines in 2024, bringing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball.
Both Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rising star, and Clark, the Indiana Fever’s electric point guard, have elevated the league’s profile with sold-out arenas, record-breaking jersey sales, and skyrocketing TV ratings. Their rivalry, reminiscent of the Larry Bird-Magic Johnson era, has been a game-changer for the WNBA.
The Origin of a Rivalry
Their intense NCAA championship showdown in 2023 put the duo on the national map. Reese’s iconic “you can’t see me” gesture and ring-pointing moment following LSU’s dominant win over Clark’s Iowa team became a cultural flashpoint, drawing nearly 10 million viewers and cementing their legacies.
“That game changed my life,” Reese reflected in an interview with *The Wall Street Journal.* “It changed women’s basketball forever. My life completely transformed from that moment.”
Rookie Seasons and Growing Rivalry
Clark and Reese clashed four times during their rookie WNBA seasons, with the Fever winning three of those matchups. Clark averaged 21 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in their battles, while Reese contributed 14 points, 13 rebounds, and key defensive plays.
Their on-court rivalry is nothing new—it dates back to their AAU days—but Reese’s recent comments show a desire to explore uncharted territory.
“Me and Caitlin have been competing since we were kids,” Reese said. “We’ve brought so many fans to this league, and one day, hopefully, we can be teammates.”
Fans React to the Super-Team Dream
The internet buzzed with reactions, with fans calling on the Fever and Sky to make the dream pairing a reality. “She’s a smart businesswoman,” one fan wrote. “She sees the vision.”
Such a move would undoubtedly shake up the league, drawing comparisons to NBA super-team moments like LeBron James joining the Miami Heat or Kevin Durant’s stint with the Golden State Warriors.
Early Teammate Success
Clark and Reese offered a glimpse of their potential partnership during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where they teamed up on Team WNBA to defeat the U.S. national team 117-109. Reese praised Clark’s court vision: “When she gets the ball, I’m running because I know she’s gonna find me.”
They hope to reunite on the global stage as part of Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, both having narrowly missed the 2024 roster due to a preference for senior players. “We’re going to be playing with each other a lot,” Reese said. “Hopefully, in four years, we’ll be Olympians together.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Reese and Clark are focused on improving their respective WNBA teams. Reese is also venturing into the new 3-on-3 basketball league, *Unrivaled,* which tips off in January 2025. With 32 of 36 roster spots filled by WNBA stars, the league eagerly awaits Clark’s decision to join.
If she does, fans might not have to wait until the Olympics or a fantasy trade to see these two generational talents on the same side of the court.
