BET Embarrasses Itself Again as Angle Reese is Sportswoman of The Year!
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Angel Reese, the charismatic forward for the Chicago Sky and former LSU standout, has become one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. Her on-court flair, unapologetic confidence, and off-court brand have made her a favorite among many fans, especially younger audiences. However, her third straight win as BET’s Sportswoman of the Year has left many scratching their heads.
“BET gave Angel Reese Sportswoman of the Year for the third year in a row. This is embarrassing, bro, straight up,” said one commentator on YouTube’s Say Cheese TV, echoing a sentiment that’s been widely shared online. “If you gave it to her the first year, I understand. The second year, I don’t understand, but okay. But the third year in a row, ignoring the accomplishments of all these women who actually accomplished something—come on.”
The Competition: A Field of Champions
The controversy isn’t just about Reese’s selection—it’s about who was left out. The past year in women’s sports has seen a parade of historic achievements:
A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces: Last season’s WNBA MVP, who also broke the league’s single-season scoring record.
Simone Biles, Gymnastics: One of the most decorated gymnasts of all time, adding four more medals (three gold, one silver) at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Track & Field: Claimed gold in the 100m at the Olympics and medaled in the 200m.
Coco Gauff, Tennis: Won the US Open last year and recently claimed the French Open title.
Clarissa Shields, Boxing: Multiple-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist.
Even rising WNBA star JuJu Watkins, despite being sidelined by injury, has been widely recognized as one of the league’s brightest young talents.
Clarissa Shields herself tweeted, “Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the BET Awards, but congrats to Angel Reese and all the other nominees. I just thought accolades mattered.”
Is It About Popularity or Performance?
Much of the criticism centers on the perception that BET’s award has become more about popularity and personal branding than actual athletic achievement. Reese’s Chicago Sky failed to make the WNBA playoffs last year, and while she remains a double-double machine and a social media sensation, her on-court production has not matched the historic feats of some of her peers.
“Angel Reese is one of the top 40 players in the WNBA, but somehow she’s the top female athlete in Black America? It makes no sense,” said another commentator. “I love my people, but I am an even bigger lover of my people who work hard and deserve to be credited for it.”
The debate has also touched on issues of race and representation. Some have argued that criticism of Reese is rooted in bias, but others insist the issue is about merit, not identity. “This ain’t racial. This is about sports. This is about athletic ability,” one panelist said. “When you look at Caitlin Clark’s game—who’s very reminiscent of Steph Curry based on her range and the three—plus everything else she does, and then you look at Angel Reese… stop it.”
The Branding Game: Sex Appeal vs. Skill?
Another point of contention is the growing emphasis on personal branding and social media presence in modern sports. Critics argue that Reese’s off-court persona, which includes her sex appeal and viral moments, has overshadowed the need to improve her game.
“She is more interested in booty shaking, heartbreaking, and money-making instead of putting in work and becoming a better hooper,” said one YouTube host. “Everybody wants to confuse a personal brand with skill nowadays, and I guess BET fell for the marketing.”
Some see this as a savvy business move by Reese, who understands the financial limitations of the WNBA and is building a brand that extends beyond basketball. “She’s trying to appeal to a broader audience because she understands the WNBA is not going to be there to pay her bills, and it may be a very good move,” the host continued. “But what she doesn’t understand is that it’s going to take sacrifice. It’s going to take a breakthrough player.”
The Bigger Picture: BET, Viacom, and the WNBA’s Future
Why would BET risk such a controversial choice? The answer may lie in the network’s broader strategy. Owned by media giant Viacom, BET has a vested interest in promoting personalities who can draw ratings and social media engagement.
“With Caitlin Clark and this Angel Reese rivalry, they can build the game up so people actually give a damn about watching it,” the host explained. “Because as it sits right now, the only time anybody tunes in is when Miss Clark is up there playing her game, and the rest of the league is kind of like a faceless channel.”
It’s a calculated gamble: favoring star power and cultural relevance over pure athletic achievement in hopes of growing the sport’s audience.
The Bottom Line
As the dust settles from this year’s BET Awards, one thing is clear: the debate over what it means to be “Sportswoman of the Year” is far from settled. Is it about being the best on the field, or the biggest name off it? Is it about breaking records, or breaking the internet?
For Angel Reese, the answer—at least for now—is both. But as the WNBA and women’s sports continue to evolve, fans and athletes alike will be watching to see if future awards will reward performance, popularity, or a new blend of both.
