Angel Reese Reacts to Sparse Crowd in Game Without Caitlin Clark: Sparks Discussion on WNBA Fan Dynamics

June 3, 2025

Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s most talked-about rookies, has found herself in the spotlight again — this time not for her play on the court, but for her frustrated reaction to a noticeably empty arena during a recent game that did not include fellow star rookie Caitlin Clark.

In a post-game media session following the Chicago Sky’s home loss over the weekend, Reese candidly shared her disappointment with the low fan turnout, especially after experiencing several sellout games when Clark and the Indiana Fever were in town.

“It’s Just Crazy…”

According to reporters at the scene, Reese said:

“It’s just crazy how different it is when certain players aren’t here. We show up and play hard every night, and I just wish the energy was consistent no matter who’s on the court.”

Though Reese didn’t mention Clark by name, fans and analysts immediately drew connections to the recent Fever vs. Sky game, which sold out weeks in advance and drew millions of views online — largely attributed to Caitlin Clark’s massive popularity.

A Growing Divide?

The situation has reignited conversations around celebrity vs. team loyalty in the WNBA. While Reese has her own large following from her NCAA success and social media presence, Clark’s impact on ticket sales and national attention has been unparalleled.

Many fans took to social media to debate the disparity in attention:

“Reese has a point. They’re all professionals. The fans should support every game, not just one player.”
“Let’s be real. Caitlin Clark is bringing in new fans. The league should ride that wave and lift everyone up.”

Reese Clarifies Her Comments

Later in a tweet, Reese clarified:

“I respect every fan that shows up. I just want that same love for all of us, not just when it’s a ‘big name’ matchup. We’re all building this together.”

Supporters applauded her for standing up for her teammates and the league, while critics accused her of sounding bitter about Clark’s fame.

Bigger Picture: The Caitlin Clark Effect

Caitlin Clark’s entrance into the WNBA has brought record-setting TV ratings, sellout crowds, and a massive spike in merchandise sales. While this has been a boon for the league overall, it has also highlighted the imbalance in media coverage and fan attention.

Sports analyst Monica McNutt shared on ESPN:

“It’s not jealousy — it’s frustration. These women have worked hard for years. The spotlight is welcome, but it’s important to ensure that spotlight eventually expands to include everyone.”

Moving Forward

Despite the frustration, Angel Reese remains one of the league’s brightest prospects — and her passion for the game is evident both in her performances and her off-court commentary.

As the WNBA continues to grow in visibility and popularity, players like Reese and Clark are both essential to building a diverse and loyal fan base.

The league has not commented on the situation, but insiders say more collaborative marketing efforts are in the works to promote rising stars across all teams.

Related Articles:

Caitlin Clark’s Impact on WNBA Attendance: Numbers Don’t Lie
Angel Reese: Building a Brand Beyond the Court
Are WNBA Fans Too Player-Focused? A Look at the Debate
How the WNBA Can Sustain Its Momentum Long-Term