Angel Reese Under Pressure as Ticket Prices Plummet Without Caitlin Clark
May 28, 2025 – Chicago, IL — As Caitlin Clark remains sidelined due to injury, the ripple effects across the WNBA are becoming more evident — and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is feeling the heat. Once billed as one of the league’s brightest young stars alongside Clark, Reese is now under intense pressure to carry both her team and the league’s marketing spotlight. Meanwhile, ticket prices for key games — especially those previously hyped as “Clark vs. Reese” matchups — are rapidly declining.
Clark’s temporary absence from the Indiana Fever due to an ankle injury has not only impacted her own team’s on-court performance and ticket revenue but has also affected opponents who were relying on the rookie superstar’s drawing power. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Chicago, where fans were eagerly anticipating a highly publicized showdown between Clark and Reese — a rivalry that began during their college days at Iowa and LSU.
A Drop in Demand
In the days following the announcement of Clark’s injury, ticket resale platforms saw a sharp drop in prices for games between the Sky and Fever. A game that previously averaged $150 for lower bowl seats is now seeing prices as low as $40.
“This isn’t just a Chicago problem. Caitlin Clark has been the biggest driver of ticket demand across the league,” said sports business analyst Jordan Rivers. “But in Chicago, where Angel Reese was expected to be her equal in terms of star power, the pressure is now squarely on her shoulders.”
Angel in the Spotlight
Reese, known for her toughness, rebounding, and competitive fire, has been one of the most polarizing figures in women’s basketball since her college championship run at LSU. Now in her rookie WNBA season, she has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency on offense.
With Clark absent, the spotlight on Reese has grown brighter — and more intense. Fans, analysts, and league insiders are watching closely to see if she can step up and deliver the kind of performances that justify the hype.
“Angel has the charisma and the work ethic to be a superstar,” said former WNBA player and commentator Swin Cash. “But with Caitlin out, this is her moment to show she can lead the narrative — not just follow it.”
However, some fans are growing restless. On social media, posts criticizing Reese’s recent performances have gained traction, with some suggesting she is “not ready” to be the face of the franchise. Others argue she’s being unfairly judged in comparison to Clark.
“She’s a rookie. Give her time,” one fan wrote on X. “But yeah — without Clark, there’s less buzz.”
League-Wide Implications
The WNBA has been enjoying unprecedented attention in 2025, thanks in large part to the influx of high-profile rookies like Clark, Reese, and others. But Clark’s absence has revealed how dependent the league’s marketing strategies have become on her star power.
That dependency has put added pressure on Reese and other young stars to carry the momentum in her absence. Whether it’s fair or not, Reese has now become the default headliner in games that were supposed to be co-led by her and Clark.
What’s Next for Reese and the Sky?
With the Sky fighting to stay competitive in the standings, Angel Reese will need to elevate her game both on and off the court. More than just scoring and rebounding, fans are looking to see leadership, maturity, and impact — the qualities that define the league’s biggest stars.
The coming weeks could shape the narrative for Reese’s rookie season. If she delivers, the pressure turns into praise. But if the Sky continue to struggle and ticket sales remain low, the criticism could grow louder.
Either way, one thing is clear: Angel Reese is no longer just a promising player. In the eyes of many, she’s now under the microscope — and expected to carry more than just her team.
