The WNBA’s new season has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in sports—but not for reasons fans would want.
What started as an intense rivalry between two of the league’s brightest stars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, has exploded into a complicated and uncomfortable situation involving accusations of racism and online drama.
Their fierce competition, which began back in college and carried over into the pros, took a sharp turn during a recent game, pushing the league into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
On-Court Tensions Turn Ugly in First Game
In their season opener, the battle between Reese, who plays for the Fever, and Clark from the Sky, was more than just a typical basketball rivalry.
Things got heated during the game when Clark was called for a flagrant foul after slapping Reese’s arm hard enough to knock her down.
Reese immediately confronted Clark after the foul, and the tension was palpable.
While Reese later described the foul as part of the game, the moment clearly stuck with her.
Shortly after, she shared a controversial TikTok clip that reignited the conversation around their rivalry and raised eyebrows due to its provocative content.
TikTok Post Sparks Online Meltdown
Angel Reese reposted a TikTok that included a screenshot of a social media post calling Clark a “white gyal running from the fade,” accompanied by a picture of Clark walking away from Reese during their confrontation.
This move stirred significant backlash online, sparking heated debates and accusations that extended beyond basketball.
Though Reese later removed the repost from her TikTok, the damage was done.
The video and the phrase sparked intense reactions and only added fuel to the fire surrounding their rivalry.
WNBA Steps In Amid Allegations of Racism
The league didn’t stay silent. The WNBA immediately announced an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at Reese, reportedly coming from Fever fans after the game.
The league released a statement condemning all forms of racism and hate, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in their community or anywhere in society.
Reese herself acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, saying there’s no room for racism in the WNBA and praising the support she’s received from the league and her team.
Both Players Speak Out Against Hate
Both Reese and Clark have publicly addressed the issue, firmly rejecting racism and discrimination.
Clark emphasized that there is no place for such behavior either in basketball or society at large.
Interestingly, Sky coach Tyler Marsh mentioned the team only learned of the allegations about racist comments after the fact and said they did not witness any hate speech during the game.
Off-Court Drama Escalates With TV Analysts
The rivalry spilled over off the court as well, with ESPN analysts Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III engaging in a racially charged exchange on social media.
Griffin accused Reese of genuinely hating Clark, distinguishing it from typical sports rivalry tension.
Clark responded by questioning Griffin’s credibility on issues of race, pointing out his marriages to white women and suggesting he is not the right person to comment on black women’s experiences.
Griffin’s family then posted a lighthearted TikTok, but the back-and-forth has reportedly caused unrest within ESPN, with some colleagues urging the network to intervene.
The Rivalry Continues On the Court
Despite the surrounding drama, the basketball showdown between Reese and Clark is far from over.
They are scheduled to face off again in June when the Sky host the Fever.
This rivalry, rooted deeply in their college basketball days at Iowa and LSU, has grown into one of the WNBA’s most captivating stories.
Their encounters have been intense, with Clark holding the edge by winning four of their five professional meetings.
From College Showdowns to WNBA Stars
Reese and Clark’s rivalry began long before the WNBA spotlight, notably during the 2023 college championship game where a memorable moment — Reese pointing her ring finger in Clark’s face — became an iconic image in women’s basketball.
Both players quickly rose to stardom in their rookie seasons, earning All-Star honors, with Clark winning Rookie of the Year and Reese finishing a close second.
Their competitive fire continues to shape the 2025 WNBA season, promising more thrilling and dramatic clashes ahead.