Angel Reese Responds After Sophie Cunningham Calls Caitlin Clark the Face of the WNBA — And Fans Are Divided

The WNBA’s new era is shining brighter than ever — but the spotlight isn’t without controversy.

This week, Sophie Cunningham stirred up headlines and heated conversations after referring to rookie phenom Caitlin Clark as “the face of the WNBA.” For many, it was a recognition of Clark’s undeniable impact: record-breaking ratings, sold-out arenas, and a fanbase that spans generations.

But not everyone is co-signing the sentiment.

Enter Angel Reese.

The Chicago Sky star, who’s taken the league by storm in her own right, didn’t shy away from the discussion. When asked to weigh in on Cunningham’s comment, Reese offered a measured, confident response that’s now making waves across social media.

“I respect what Caitlin’s done. She’s brought a lot of eyes to the league,” Reese said. “But there’s more than one face out here. And a lot of us are doing the work, on and off the court.”

She continued, “We all play this game with heart. We all bring something different. So if we’re talking about the face of the WNBA — it’s not just one person. It’s a movement. It’s a group.”

That statement — poised yet powerful — has reignited a conversation that’s been bubbling since the WNBA season tipped off: Who really represents the league right now?

For some, Clark’s rapid ascent is seen as well-deserved. Her transition from NCAA star to WNBA franchise player has brought an undeniable boost to the league’s visibility. Her jersey sales top charts. Her games draw millions. Her every move sparks conversation.

But critics argue that framing her as the face of the WNBA—especially so soon—dismisses the contributions of longtime stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Arike Ogunbowale, and rising forces like Reese, Aliyah Boston, and Satou Sabally.

“It’s not about tearing anyone down,” Reese added. “It’s about making sure all of us are seen for what we bring.”

Sophie Cunningham’s initial comment wasn’t meant to provoke — by most accounts, she was complimenting Clark’s impact. But in a league where visibility, respect, and representation have always been hard-earned, her words hit deeper.

The reactions have been mixed.

Some fans applauded Reese’s response as “balanced and bold.”
“She’s not hating — she’s just making sure others get their flowers too,” one person posted.

Others pushed back, suggesting that if Clark is the face, it’s because her popularity has changed the game.
“She’s filling seats. She’s moving numbers. That’s what being the face means,” another fan tweeted.

But to many within the league, this moment isn’t about crowning one individual. It’s about finally having a league full of recognizable, marketable, and empowering athletes who are all driving the WNBA forward — together.

A’ja Wilson chimed in with a subtle but telling tweet: “We all faces. Period.”

And that’s the reality Angel Reese seems to be pointing toward. One where the WNBA isn’t carried by one star — but lifted by many.

Reese and Clark have become must-watch TV every time they share the court — competitive, intense, and thrilling. But beyond the rivalry, there’s also a shared spotlight, whether the media wants to admit it or not.

In Reese’s words: “This league is bigger than one name. It’s all of us. That’s what makes it beautiful.”

The debate may rage on, but one thing is clear: the WNBA has more than just a face. It has a future — and it looks like all of them.