The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, much of it driven by the emergence of young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their on-court battles, dating back to college, have captivated fans and media alike. However, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith recently poured cold water on the notion that a legitimate rivalry exists between the two, sparking a wave of controversy and debate.

During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Smith stated bluntly, “It’s not a rivalry. Not when one side is losing by 35 points.” He was referencing a recent matchup between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky. For Smith, the discrepancy in team performance and individual impact was too wide to classify their interactions as a genuine rivalry.

Clark, known for her deep shooting range and high basketball IQ, has been widely regarded as a generational talent. Her arrival in the WNBA has brought unprecedented attention to the league. Angel Reese, on the other hand, has made her mark with physicality, rebounding, and her fiery presence. Both women have helped elevate the visibility of the sport, but Smith argues that they are on different levels in terms of individual play.

The comments quickly sparked backlash, particularly from fans of Reese who felt the statement was dismissive of her impact. Many argued that Smith’s take ignored the history between the two players, including their iconic showdown in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Championship, where Reese famously taunted Clark after securing the win.

Social media lit up in the aftermath, with fans debating whether the rivalry is real or fabricated by media and marketers. Supporters of Clark pointed to her record-breaking statistics and leadership as evidence that she’s simply ahead of the pack. Reese’s defenders countered that the league’s growth owes just as much to her charisma and competitive energy.

Reports surfaced that Angel Reese was “furious” after hearing Smith’s comments, feeling that her contributions were being minimized. Although she did not respond directly, sources close to her say the remarks felt like a personal dismissal of her legitimacy as a WNBA star.

The racial dynamics of the situation also became a flashpoint. Some observers noted how Clark is often portrayed as the clean-cut, humble competitor, while Reese is sometimes labeled as too emotional or controversial. These portrayals have fueled broader discussions about how Black and white athletes are treated differently in the media.

Adding fuel to the fire, former NFL player and ESPN commentator Ryan Clark publicly disagreed with the way the conversation was unfolding, criticizing narratives that he felt were unfairly targeting Reese. In contrast, other analysts maintained that Clark has simply outperformed her peers, and any rivalry talk is premature.

In the midst of the noise, both Clark and Reese have remained focused on basketball. Clark recently condemned any inappropriate fan behavior directed at Reese, emphasizing that respect must be maintained on and off the court. Her remarks were seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions.

What’s undeniable is that both players have played key roles in the WNBA’s booming viewership. Games featuring Clark and Reese have drawn millions of viewers, breaking records for the league. Whether or not they are true rivals, the public fascination with their dynamic has helped place women’s basketball at the center of the sports conversation.

Marketing teams, league officials, and sponsors are now carefully navigating the narrative. Personal rivalries can drive interest, but when the line between competition and animosity is blurred, it becomes harder to manage public perception. For the WNBA, the challenge is to harness this momentum without letting it descend into toxic or divisive discourse.

Critics argue that the media should focus more on the quality of play and the league’s broader talent pool. Others believe that compelling personal narratives are essential for attracting new audiences. The truth may lie somewhere in between.

Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are still early in their professional careers. As they develop, their competitive relationship will continue to evolve. Whether they become long-term rivals or simply two stars in a growing league, their impact is already undeniable.

In the end, it may not matter whether this is a “true rivalry” in the traditional sense. What matters is that both players are pushing each other — and the WNBA — to new heights. That, more than any media narrative, is what fans should be celebrating.