Joy Taylor argued that without Angel Reese’s viral ring-finger celebration during LSU’s title victory over Iowa, Caitlin Clark would not have achieved the level of media attention she currently enjoys. On a Patreon-exclusive episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Taylor insisted that Reese’s moment was pivotal in shifting the national spotlight onto Clark.

We wouldn’t be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we do if it wasn’t that moment for Angel Reese,

Joy Taylor argued.

I will die on this hill.

Controversy Over Reese’s Role in Clark’s Rise to Fame

Taylor’s perspective sparked strong reactions, particularly since Caitlin Clark had already gained significant recognition well before Reese’s celebratory gesture. Clark’s breakout came in her junior year at Iowa, where she shattered multiple tournament records and led the Hawkeyes to the 2023 national title game.

That championship matchup featuring Clark and Reese drew 9.9 million viewers, marking the highest viewership ever recorded for a women’s college basketball game at the time. Despite this, many argue Clark’s impact was established prior to the viral moment, emphasizing her sustained dominance and record-breaking performances.

Taylor Emphasizes Impact of Viral Moments for Media Attention

Taylor insists that while Clark’s skills are undisputed, it took Reese’s viral gesture to really propel Clark into mainstream discussions. She challenges the notion that Clark would have received the same level of media coverage without the dramatic moment, highlighting the reality of sports media trends.

It’s crazy to me, every time I bring this up, they’re like, ‘Angel’s not better. We would’ve been talking about her anyway.’ No the f*ck you wouldn’t. You f*cking wouldn’t,

Taylor explained.

And the reason you wouldn’t is I do this every goddamn day. I know what we talk about on my show. We were not doing WNBA topic — whole 15-minute segments — on the f*cking show until that happened. F*ck off. I know what I’m talking about. It’s not about saying that Angel’s better than Caitlin or that Caitlin wouldn’t be a great player. It’s principle storytelling. I’m not making this up. I know what I’m talking about.

Challenges in Women’s Sports Media Coverage

Taylor also highlighted the persistent struggle to gain meaningful airtime for women’s sports topics on mainstream shows, despite increased talent and interest. She underlined the difficulty in convincing producers and audiences to engage consistently with these stories without something that captivates attention, such as a viral moment.

Motherf*ckers were not arguing on shows — daily sports talk shows — they weren’t even talking about the WNBA,

she said.

I’m not trying to get women’s sports into the show. And I have power. But I have to be able to say, ‘Do you guys care about this? Do you have an opinion about this? Is this resonating in the culture?’ I can’t just be like, ‘Let’s talk about this,’ and no one’s paying attention to it, and no one has an opinion. That’s not what these shows are.

The Larger Context of Caitlin Clark’s Rise

While Taylor’s frustration with media dynamics is clear, many observers argue that reducing Clark’s rise to a single viral moment oversimplifies her journey. Clark had already earned widespread acclaim and drastically changed the landscape of women’s college basketball with individual performances and consistent excellence.

Those who focus solely on the Angel Reese viral moment impact risk overlooking Clark’s substantial achievements and the growing fanbase she built on her own merits. If Taylor and her fellow commentators were slow to recognize Clark’s significance, it may reflect shortcomings in their coverage choices rather than Clark’s visibility.

Why This Debate Matters for Women’s Sports Coverage

This debate highlights the ongoing challenges women’s sports face in gaining equal attention and respect from mainstream media. It exposes the delicate balance between genuine athletic accomplishment and moments that capture cultural imagination, which tend to drive conversation on prominent sports platforms.

As women’s basketball continues to grow, how these stories are told—and what is considered newsworthy—will shape the future visibility of talented athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, affecting opportunities and perceptions in women’s sports overall.