Angel Reese GOES OFF After WNBA Ratings and Ticket Prices PLUMMET Without Caitlin Clark!
WNBA rookie Angel Reese didn’t hold back this week after reports revealed a sharp decline in both viewership ratings and ticket demand for games not featuring fellow rookie Caitlin Clark. As headlines pointed to a steep drop-off in fan engagement without Clark’s presence, Reese took to the media and social platforms to voice her frustration—not just with the numbers, but with the narrative being shaped around them.
A Ratings Reality Check
The WNBA’s 2024 season started with a bang. Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever brought in record-breaking television audiences, sold-out crowds, and unprecedented national attention. Networks scrambled to feature Fever games, and the league suddenly found itself at the center of mainstream sports conversations.
But once Clark wasn’t on the floor—or even simply not playing in a specific matchup—the data told a different story. Ratings for games without the Iowa legend plummeted, in some cases dropping by more than 50%. Ticket prices for non-Fever matchups dipped across multiple markets, with resellers slashing prices due to lack of demand.
Angel Reese Responds
Reese, the Chicago Sky’s outspoken rookie and a massive name in her own right, was quick to push back against what she saw as a disrespectful and overly simplistic view of the league. Speaking to reporters after a team practice, she addressed the issue directly:
“Let’s not act like one player is carrying this entire league. Caitlin’s great—no question—but there’s a lot of talent out here. I’m tired of people only tuning in for one name. We all work hard, we all bring fans out. The media needs to stop acting like she’s the only reason we’re relevant.”
Reese’s comments were echoed across her social media channels, where she emphasized the importance of elevating all the women in the league, not just one. “Y’all better put respect on the rest of us too,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter), generating thousands of retweets and a heated debate online.
Bigger Than One Player
Reese’s frustration isn’t without merit. The WNBA has seen an influx of elite talent in recent seasons—not just Clark, but Reese herself, Kamilla Cardoso, Kiki Iriafen, Aaliyah Edwards, and others from a stacked 2024 draft class. Veterans like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Arike Ogunbowale continue to dominate night in and night out, yet much of the coverage and marketing remains focused almost exclusively on Clark.
While Clark’s visibility and draw are undeniable, the league risks alienating its other stars—and fans of those stars—by allowing one narrative to overshadow the entire season. Reese, who gained national fame after her NCAA championship win with LSU and has continued to build a massive following, brings her own substantial fanbase to the league. Her matchups, particularly against Clark, consistently draw high ratings and sell-out crowds.
The Pressure of Growth
The league is now facing a critical moment. The spike in attention thanks to Caitlin Clark has been a blessing—but it’s also created a spotlight that exposes gaps in infrastructure, promotion, and parity of attention. If the WNBA wants to maintain growth, it must distribute that spotlight more evenly.
Angel Reese’s outspoken stance may serve as a necessary wake-up call. Her message: recognize the breadth of talent across the league, or risk undermining its long-term success.
Moving Forward
This controversy may seem like a battle of egos on the surface, but it speaks to a much larger issue about fairness, media responsibility, and the sustainable growth of women’s sports. Angel Reese isn’t just defending herself—she’s defending the league.
As more fans tune in, thanks initially to Clark, the challenge now is to keep them watching by building up other stars, promoting rivalries, and investing in the full WNBA product. Reese’s comments weren’t just a clapback—they were a call to action.
And the league would be wise to listen.
