Caitlin Clark’s Star Power Shines Bright as Angel Reese Faces Disappointing Homecoming

The WNBA preseason tipped off with a tale of two rookies—Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—whose contrasting fanfare revealed just how wide the gap in public appeal has become between the two former college rivals. While Clark’s return to Iowa drew a sold-out crowd of nearly 15,000 fans in a feverish, tailgate-style atmosphere, Reese’s much-anticipated homecoming at LSU failed to fill even half the seats in a 13,000-seat arena.

The Indiana Fever’s exhibition match against the Brazilian national team was nothing short of a spectacle. Fans camped outside the arena for days, and resale ticket prices soared as high as $670. The energy surrounding Clark’s appearance resembled a pop concert more than a basketball game—complete with homemade signs, tailgates, and an overwhelming demand for a glimpse of the sport’s fastest-rising star.

This was the Caitlin Clark effect in full force.

Clark, known for her deep three-pointers, flashy playmaking, and humble demeanor, has captivated the country since her collegiate days at Iowa. Her presence is not only breaking viewership records but is also drawing attention and dollars to the WNBA in unprecedented ways. Her debut games have been treated more like cultural events than preseason exhibitions, and the league is already benefitting from her gravitational pull.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese’s return to Baton Rouge was expected to be a triumphant moment. Playing for the Chicago Sky alongside former LSU teammate Hailey Van Lith, Reese stepped onto a court she once dominated in college. However, instead of the hero’s welcome many anticipated, the crowd was sparse. Only 6,373 fans showed up—less than 50% of the venue’s capacity—and the upper bowl was never even opened.

Despite her popularity on social media and strong college résumé, Reese’s market draw simply did not translate to ticket sales. Some critics argue that Reese’s fanbase is more interested in her personality and online presence than her on-court performance, a theory reinforced by the disappointing turnout. Tickets for her game were available for less than the price of a fast-food meal, yet seats still remained empty.

The stark contrast between the two rookies is more than a popularity contest—it’s a marketing lesson for the WNBA. While both athletes have impressive collegiate records and strong individual brands, Clark’s pull stems from a pure basketball excitement that fans are eager to support. Every dribble, pass, and shot from Clark generates a buzz that many WNBA stars have struggled to produce over the years.

Even seasoned sports analysts are taking note. As one commentator put it, “Caitlin Clark doesn’t just play the game—she is the game.” Her arrival in the league has shifted public attention in a way rarely seen in women’s sports. And while Reese remains a talented and charismatic player, the league’s fans have made their preference clear, at least for now.

The takeaway is simple: star power in professional sports isn’t built on potential alone—it’s about consistent performance, media magnetism, and fan connection. Caitlin Clark is not just meeting expectations; she’s redefining them.

For Angel Reese, the message is not a dismissal but a challenge. With the season ahead, there’s still time to translate her fame into real fan engagement. But if the early signs are any indication, she’ll be chasing not just rebounds and wins, but the rare kind of influence her former NCAA rival is already wielding with ease.