As the 2025 WNBA season unfolds, the much-discussed rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has notably cooled, shifting attention toward their individual contributions rather than direct competition. Candace Parker, a veteran of the league and LA Sparks legend, weighed in on the narrative, dismissing the rivalry as an unfair comparison due to the players’ distinct roles and skill sets. Parker emphasized that the ongoing dialogue exaggerates tension between the two sophomores, especially as both are currently sidelined with injuries.
On her podcast, Parker placed Angel Reese in the ‘C-tier’ category, noting that while Reese is a formidable player, she still has areas to improve to become a complete leader on the court. Parker expressed a desire for honest critique without hostility, challenging listeners to objectively assess Reese’s standing among other top talents.
We have to come to a place in women’s basketball where we can critique without being a hater,
— Candace Parker, WNBA Icon
I challenge all of you to understand that I am in no way, shape, or form a hater. I am going to be facts on the table… I challenge anybody to tell me what player are you taking Angel Reese over, of those that I just listed?
— Candace Parker, WNBA Icon
Reese’s Strong Rebounding Contrasted with Leadership Development
Angel Reese has certainly made her mark, leading the league with an impressive 12.5 rebounds per game and once holding the longest active double-double streak this season before injury intervened. However, Parker and others highlight that while Reese’s physical presence is undeniable, her leadership qualities on the floor remain a work in progress. This perspective has drawn mixed reactions among fans, with some praising Reese’s toughness and others agreeing with Parker’s measured critique.
CBS Sports radio host Robin Lundberg echoed Parker’s straightforward approach, commending her for articulating her opinions candidly and pushing for women’s basketball to receive the same analytical respect as the NBA.
Shout out to Candace Parker for always keeping it a buck,
— Robin Lundberg, CBS Sports Radio Host
She hasn’t bit her tongue when giving her analysis about the game because she has pleaded for the sport—women’s basketball, that is—to be talked about like it is on the NBA side, which is why she didn’t back down from her C-tier Angel Reese rating.
— Robin Lundberg, CBS Sports Radio Host
Clark’s Return Poses a Significant Challenge for the League
Alongside her remarks on Reese, Parker asserted Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary influence in the WNBA, describing her comeback as
“a scary proposition for the rest of the league.”
On a podcast episode featuring Aliyah Boston, Parker acknowledged that while some claim the Indiana Fever performs better without Clark, the evidence suggests otherwise.
She credited Boston’s emergence as a dominant double-double contributor during Clark’s absence and pointed out high scoring runs from Kelsey Mitchell, as well as noticeable contributions from role players like Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard. These players have stepped up considerably, underscoring the team’s depth and resilience.
To those naysayers out there [saying] ‘you are better without Caitlin,’ they are not. They are not better without Caitlin, but I do feel like at times like these, different people step up.
— Candace Parker, WNBA Icon
Lundberg characterized the argument that the Fever are better without Clark as “absurd,” emphasizing that the team’s success in both circumstances highlights its strength. He also noted that any debate surrounding Clark’s impact confirms the WNBA’s growing prominence.
Ultimately, the fact that anybody saying anything at all, if proof the WNBA has made it.
— Robin Lundberg, CBS Sports Radio Host
The Enduring Impact of Caitlin Clark on the WNBA
The arrival of Caitlin Clark, drafted first overall, revolutionized the way the WNBA engages fans with her dynamic playing style. Before Clark’s presence, long-range shots from 27 to 35 feet were rare, but her marksmanship has become a signature spectacle that draws large audiences. Clark’s importance is measurable beyond scoring highlights; her leadership and playmaking have elevated the league’s visibility and attendance.
After Clark suffered a quad injury on May 24th, the Indiana Fever experienced a tangible decline in home game attendance, with sellout crowds shrinking from approximately 17,274 to about 16,000—a drop of nearly 6–7%. This decrease extended to premium seating as well, where resale prices plummeted from over $100 to under $30, representing a 50–70% reduction. Nationally televised WNBA viewership also decreased by 55% following her injury, according to Nielsen data.
Despite playing just 13 games this season, Clark leads the league in assists, underscoring her comprehensive impact on the court. Her ability to score and distribute effectively has changed the expectations for star players in the competition.
The Broader Implications for Women’s Basketball
The evolving narratives around Clark, Reese, and the league signal a pivotal time in women’s basketball. Candace Parker’s insistence on critical yet constructive discussions reflects the desire for a more mature conversation about the sport, one that mirrors the respect given to men’s professional basketball. Her efforts, combined with voices like Robin Lundberg’s, advocate for growth rooted in honest analysis and recognition of individual and team achievements.
While the Clark-Reese rivalry served as a captivating storyline, Parker’s viewpoint encourages fans and media alike to focus on development, influence, and sustained contributions rather than simplistic comparisons. Clark’s transformative presence has catalyzed increased fan engagement and media attention, which ultimately benefits the league’s long-term prospects.
As Caitlin Clark continues her recovery and returns to action, the WNBA and its followers anticipate her reemergence as a force that redefines standards and elevates the league. Whether the rivalry rumor lingers or fades, Clark’s impact on the league remains an unchallenged truth, shaping the future trajectory of women’s professional basketball.