By Courtney Knight
BU News Service
Team USA’s dominance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers couldn’t escape the shadow of the ongoing rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlyn Clark. Despite the team going undefeated, the biggest story that emerged was about two of the tournament’s leading talents clashing while they wore the same uniform.
Tensions between the two date back to the 2023 NCAA championship tournament and have followed them all the way into their professional careers in the WNBA. As a result, ESPN recorded its most viewed WNBA opening weekend in network history. The World Cup qualifiers marked just the second time Clark and Reese have been teammates, after they played together during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. What could have been a storyline about the next generation of women’s basketball icons uniting during international play became more fuel for the fire.
Things reached their highest point when a video surfaced of Clark seemingly rejecting Reese’s attempt at a high-five. Reactions to the incident were mixed — some thought that Clark intentionally avoided Reese. Outkick went as far as to claim the forward was “made to look like a fool.” Others explained the awkward moment by saying Clark simply did not see Reese reaching out. During this same game, there was also online speculation that Reese and her fellow teammates were treating Clark unfairly, in an attempt to “freeze” Caitlin out.
There was also significant debate over which player would take home tournament MVP. Through the five-game tournament, Reese was a force on both ends, totaling 40 rebounds and 34 points, including a double-double against Puerto Rico. Clark’s contributions also made headlines, finishing with 58 points and 32 assists, and recording a double-double against Senegal. When the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup released their fan voting online, Clark was more than 100,000 votes ahead of Reese. The next day, Reese took the lead with 1.3 million votes. Ultimately, Clark was named MVP.
Despite the chatter swirling online, it appeared that they didn’t let any of it affect them. In the game against Spain, Reese helped Clark off the floor after a hard foul, and later, when Reese converted a tough hook shot off a pass from Clark, the two shared a high-five.
It’s worth noting that both players have consistently tried to downplay the feud since it began. Angel and Caitlin have each said they respect one another and frame any on-court tension as part of the game. Still, the drama will always capture more headlines than their moments of getting along. Shortly after a successful tournament, discussions had already shifted to their projected salaries and the potential impact on the next chapter of the rivalry.
With the World Cup six months away and the final roster still undecided, it’s anyone’s guess if a missed handshake there will spark another stir.
