During the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, Angel Reese, a forward for the Chicago Sky, spoke about managing online negativity despite her team’s success in the All-Star Game. However, Reese recently encountered new criticism after a video of her promoting her signature shoe in Indianapolis went viral, sparking what has become known as the Angel Reese Indiana takeover controversy.
The clip showed a crowd cheering enthusiastically as Reese showcased her new sneaker, with one fan passionately shouting,
“Take it over, Angel! Take it over!,”
—fan. Reese later shared footage of this moment on Instagram with the caption I’M IN YOUR CITY, which many interpreted as a pointed reference toward Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Despite the support, some social media users reacted negatively, expressing displeasure not only toward the takeover chant but also Reese’s promotion itself. One Twitter user criticized the event’s attendance and accused Reese of leveraging Clark’s name to gain attention:
“there’s like 10 people there! This b**** is pathetic and embarrassing! She can’t even promote her own shoe without using Caitlin,”
—online user.
Rising Buzz around Angel Reese’s Signature Shoe
Angel Reese’s signature sneaker, the Angel Reese 1, is generating increasing excitement as Reebok recently revealed the new Diamond Dust colorway. Scheduled for release in 2026, the shoe’s upcoming launch has involved a series of promotional appearances, including Reese’s event in Indianapolis.
Until the sneaker officially drops, Reese and her supporters will rely on such promotional tours to build anticipation and connect with fans. However, the promotion’s association with the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark has stirred debate, fueling the ongoing controversy.
Reflection on Reese’s All-Star Game Performance and Future Aspirations
Beyond the off-court drama, Reese enjoyed a victorious outing on the court as her team, led by captain Napheesa Collier, defeated Team Caitlin Clark with a final score of 151-131 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Chicago Sky shared a video highlighting Reese’s enthusiasm post-game.
In the clip, Reese said,
“I wanna do it again. Same team, same girls again next year,”
—Angel Reese.
This statement indicates her desire to reunite with her current teammates for the next All-Star Game, suggesting she hopes to face Caitlin Clark and her team once more in a competitive setting.
What the Controversy Signals for Reese’s Public Image and Future
The Angel Reese Indiana takeover controversy underscores the intensity of rivalries and fan involvement within women’s basketball, as well as the challenges athletes face when promoting personal brands amid competitive dynamics. Reese’s pointed Instagram caption and the fan-led chant have amplified tensions between supporters of Reese and Clark, both prominent figures in the sport.
As Reese continues to build her profile through signature shoe promotions and on-court performances, the mixed reactions may influence how future engagements are received. The controversy also highlights how sports marketing intersects with athlete rivalries, potentially affecting fan loyalty and public perception in upcoming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark watched the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans from the same suite as Swift at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday. This marks the first occasion where Clark and Swift have been spotted together at a game, following Clark’s statement that Swift invited her to come 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 beside WNBA star Caitlin Clark. This happened shortly after Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, shared that Swift had invited her to a Chiefs game.
Q. What did Taylor Swift give Caitlin Clark?
A. Taylor Swift gifted Caitlin Clark a complete set of T-shirts and sweatshirts from the Eras Tour. When Caitlin, a WNBA star, attended the tour in Indianapolis in 2024, Taylor made sure she received four bags of tour merchandise.
Q. Is Caitlin Clark hanging out with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark mentioned that both she and Swift “had a lot of fun” at the playoff game in Kansas City. She described it as the “ideal game” to attend with Swift. Clark added, “It’s adorable to see how enthusiastic she is about the Chiefs,” adding that experiencing it together made her think, “Oh my God, I love this!”