Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Renew Rivalry in WNBA Season Opener

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky will reignite their rivalry on Saturday in the WNBA season opener. This matchup comes after their heated encounters in college basketball, including last year’s controversial NCAA championship game.

The rivalry heated up when Reese taunted Clark during the championship game by pointing to her ring finger. This act sparked outrage and led to a fervent feud among fans. Their respective teams faced off again in the 2024 Elite Eight, where Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Reese’s LSU Tigers, further escalating the tension.

“There’s certain teams that those games just mean a little bit more,” Clark said about facing her rival again. “We come out here and play the same way every night, but a rivalry gets the fans involved, and they love it.”

In their rookie WNBA seasons, Clark and Reese have faced off multiple times. Notably, Clark endured several questionable fouls throughout the 2024 season, including a hard foul by Reese during a game on June 16, which added to the growing animosity. In a separate incident on June 1, Clark faced an illegal hip check from Chicago Sky’s Chennedy Carter.

The rivalry has captivated fans, especially since Clark’s team has managed to take three of the four meetings last season. Their games generated significant viewership, showcasing the intensity of their competition.

The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky are scheduled to meet five times in the 2025 season, promising more thrilling matchups ahead. As the rivalry continues to develop, basketball fans eagerly await Saturday’s opener.