Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are preparing for their second WNBA All-Star game appearances this year, continuing their rise from highly rated high school recruits to prominent professional athletes. Their growing fan bases have significantly contributed to the WNBA’s unprecedented expansion over the past year, with the league relying on their star power to keep drawing viewers and fans.
Last year’s All-Star weekend saw record attendance, not only filling arenas for games but also attracting fans to preliminary events that previously received little attention. While Clark missed several games due to injury, her strong performances coupled with robust fan voting secured her spot for another All-Star selection, ranking ninth among guards in peer voting. Reese overcame a difficult season start with recent strong showings to also qualify for the event.
Skip Bayless Highlights the Tension in Clark’s Team Choices
WNBA analyst Skip Bayless ignited controversy after Caitlin Clark, serving as an All-Star team captain, elected not to select Angel Reese for her team. Bayless interprets this decision as evidence of a clear personal rivalry rather than an amicable relationship, emphasizing the entertainment value such tension brings to the league.
Caitlin could’ve picked Angel, didn’t. They obviously don’t like each other, so why play the PR game and try to fake some “friendship”? Rivalries sell.— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 9, 2025
Bayless further suggested that the WNBA might be intentionally maintaining this rivalry instead of uniting the two talented sophomores on the same team, believing that keeping tensions high is better for business and fan engagement.
The Details Behind Clark’s Team Selection Process
During an ESPN segment with Malika Andrews, Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier chose their All-Star squads in what was presented as an on-the-spot draft. However, the final team compositions appeared predetermined, with Clark gravitating towards trusted teammates and Collier favoring players connected to her UConn and Unrivaled League affiliations.
Although Angel Reese’s draft position was moved, giving Collier the first chance to pick her, Clark ultimately did not select Reese to join her side. Last season, Clark and Reese were teammates in a Team USA setting, delivering electrifying moments that captivated audiences worldwide. Nevertheless, the WNBA seems to prioritize their rivalry’s potential commercial benefits over their past teammate chemistry.
All-Star Captains Swap Coaches to Add Strategic Depth and Drama
The WNBA allowed Clark and Collier to trade members of their teams during the draft, culminating in a notable coach swap that intrigued fans and analysts alike. Clark traded her assigned head coach, Cheryl Reeve, to Napheesa Collier’s team in exchange for Sandy Brondello, an unusual move given Reeve’s dual role as both Collier’s regular coach and the head coach for Team USA.
This coach exchange highlights the league’s intent to intensify competition and maintain high viewer interest by introducing unpredictable elements in the All-Star game setup. Observers recalled Reeve’s earlier frustrations with media questions regarding Clark’s exclusion from the Paris Olympics squad, adding another layer of intrigue to the swap.
The Impact of the Clark-Reese Rivalry on the WNBA’s Future
The ongoing dynamic between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese extends beyond the court, energizing fans and amplifying media attention around the WNBA. Their rivalry is proving to be a compelling narrative that increases fan engagement and marketability for the league as it seeks to expand its reach.
This All-Star selection process and related strategic decisions reinforce the WNBA’s focus on cultivating storylines that drive viewership and ticket sales. Moving forward, how these two young stars continue to perform and interact both in games and publicly could shape the league’s marketing and growth strategies for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark and Swift were spotted at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. This marks their first appearance together at a game. Clark mentioned being invited by Swift to attend earlier this season.
Q. Why is Taylor Swift sitting with Caitlin Clark?
A. At the Chiefs home game against the Houston Texans, Swift was spotted sitting with WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Clark attended the game in Swift’s suite soon after the Indiana Fever player mentioned that the singer had invited her.