Shaquille O’Neal recently ignited discussion by mentioning Angel Reese alongside Caitlin Clark in a conversation about Clark’s $36 million economic impact on the WNBA. The exchange took place on Instagram in response to The Gary Parrish Show highlighting Clark’s remarkable contribution to the league and Indianapolis city revenue. This sparked debate over how their individual impacts are compared and intertwined.
Caitlin Clark WNBA economic impact has been described as unprecedented, with an economist estimating that Clark drives 27% of the entire WNBA’s economic activity—far exceeding expectations for a player so early in her career. O’Neal’s simple reply to Parrish’s praise was to add “And Angel,” implicitly including Reese in the discussion.
Background on the Clark-Reese Dynamic and Their NCAA Championship Encounter
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been regularly linked since they faced off more than two years ago in the NCAA Championship game, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. Reese’s victorious celebration, featuring the memorable “Put a ring on it” gesture, quickly became a viral moment across sports social media. Since then, their names have often been mentioned together, despite them playing for different teams in the WNBA.
O’Neal, who has strong ties to LSU and Reese—including guest appearances on her podcast and his current role as President of Basketball at Reebok, the brand behind Reese’s signature shoe—has shown consistent support for Reese, reinforcing their connection in public discourse.
Evaluating the Economic and Athletic Contributions of Both Players
While Shaquille O’Neal proudly champions Angel Reese, experts and commentators caution against equating her economic impact with that of Caitlin Clark. Clark is recognized as a transformative figure whose presence drastically elevates attendance, ticket sales, and fan engagement in the WNBA. Parrish noted,
“No person has done more for their league than Caitlin Clark has done for the WNBA,”
emphasizing Clark’s singular influence compared to even top athletes in major sports leagues.
On the other hand, Angel Reese’s athletic achievements are significant. She leads the WNBA with an average of 12.8 rebounds per game, a number far ahead of second-place A’ja Wilson’s 8.7, illustrating Reese’s dominant interior presence. Reese’s scoring has also improved recently, with over 18 points per game in her last six contests. These numbers reflect her status as one of the league’s premier players.
Beyond the court, Reese has cultivated a strong marketing profile, securing high-profile endorsement deals with companies like McDonald’s, Hershey’s, PlayStation, and Wingstop. These partnerships highlight her rising star power, though her commercial impact is differentiated from Clark’s economic influence on the league as a whole.
Contextualizing Their Impact Separately for Greater Recognition
Despite the media tendency to link Clark and Reese, experts suggest that Reese’s accomplishments should be recognized independently, without reliance on Clark’s narrative. Parrish remarked,
“We can enjoy one without tearing down one,”
echoing Kobe Bryant’s sentiments on appreciating athletes individually rather than in competitive comparison with legendary peers like Michael Jordan or LeBron James. This mindset supports allowing both players to shine on their own merits.
When Clark and Reese meet on the court, debate about their performances is natural, but outside of head-to-head matchups, Reese deserves a platform where her achievements and influence are considered on their own terms. O’Neal’s enthusiastic defense of Reese reflects loyalty and admiration, but the comparison to Clark’s sweeping economic impact can blur the unique contributions each athlete brings.
Implications for Women’s Basketball and Future Conversations
The persistent linking of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese highlights an ongoing challenge in women’s sports media: recognizing individual excellence without oversimplified comparisons. Clark’s effect on the WNBA economy signals the growing commercial potential of the league, while Reese’s dominance and marketability represent key pillars for its future growth. Both players are instrumental in increasing the visibility and significance of women’s basketball.
As the WNBA expands its reach, how media and fans frame these rising stars will shape public perception and influence conversations about value and impact beyond statistics alone. A nuanced approach that respects both athletes’ unique contributions could foster richer dialogue and more equitable recognition within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark was spotted at Arrowhead Stadium in the same suite as Swift during the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. This was the first occasion they attended a game together. Clark mentioned that Swift invited her earlier this season.
Q. Why is Taylor Swift sitting with Caitlin Clark?
A. At the Chiefs’ home game against the Houston Texans, Swift sat beside WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Clark joined Swift shortly after the Indiana Fever player said the singer had asked her to attend the game together.