Preseason numbers just broke records, and one name is behind it all: Caitlin Clark. But as the spotlight grows, so does the tension — especially with rivals like Angel Reese.

Caitlin Clark hasn’t even played her first official WNBA game, and she’s already rewriting the league’s history books. The 2024 preseason tipped off with a bang — and Clark’s debut shattered expectations, drawing in unprecedented ratings and viewership numbers. For many, it’s being called “The Caitlin Clark Effect.”

But while fans are celebrating the sport’s explosive growth, others in the league aren’t exactly cheering.

Multiple sources report that Angel Reese — Clark’s former college rival and now WNBA counterpart — was visibly frustrated after Clark’s preseason performance dominated headlines and crushed ratings records. And the brewing tension between the two young stars is once again lighting up the internet.

Now, with Clark’s impact undeniable and league dynamics shifting fast, the WNBA finds itself at a dramatic crossroads: embrace the new era, or risk fracturing from within.

Clark’s Debut Dominates Preseason — And the Numbers Don’t Lie

On paper, it was just a preseason matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings. But the moment Caitlin Clark took the floor, it became must-watch television.

Clark delivered a solid performance — including 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists — but the real story wasn’t just her stat line. It was the ratings.

According to ESPN, the game pulled in an astonishing 366,000 viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA preseason game in history. That’s nearly double the audience for any previous exhibition matchup — and higher than some regular-season games from prior years.

Social media lit up. Sports outlets replayed her highlights on loop. And ticket prices for Fever games began climbing almost instantly.

Clark, once again, had moved the needle — and this time, the numbers were impossible to ignore.

Angel Reese: ‘Tired of the Hype’?

But not everyone seemed thrilled by the moment.

Angel Reese — the outspoken former LSU star who was drafted by the Chicago Sky — reportedly had a strong reaction after being asked about Clark’s ratings-breaking debut. While she didn’t name Clark directly, insiders say Reese was “visibly irritated” and brushed off questions with short, pointed responses.

This wouldn’t be the first time Reese has signaled frustration with the non-stop attention Clark receives.

Back during their NCAA rivalry, Reese often made headlines with taunts and gestures that fueled debate and divided fans. Since entering the WNBA, she’s positioned herself as an advocate for respect and recognition — especially for women of color in sports.

But now, with Clark grabbing nearly every headline, it’s clear the rivalry hasn’t cooled.

“It’s not about hate,” said one source close to the situation. “It’s about wanting equal respect. Angel feels like she’s being overlooked — again.”

A League Divided by a Star

While Clark’s arrival has unquestionably boosted league interest, her rapid rise has exposed deep divisions within the WNBA.

Some players and fans argue that Clark is being “overhyped” due to her race, background, and media appeal — while others say it’s simply what happens when a transcendent talent captures the public’s imagination.

The controversy came to a head earlier this month when Clark was left off the USA Olympic roster — a decision that ignited massive backlash from fans and sports analysts alike. Reese, meanwhile, was also not selected — but her omission drew far less attention.

Now, every Clark milestone is seen by some as a slight to others — and that’s creating an environment of tension, envy, and escalating rivalries.

The Fans Speak Loudest

Despite the noise, one thing remains crystal clear: the fans are all in on Caitlin Clark.

Merchandise is flying off the shelves. Games featuring the Indiana Fever are among the most in-demand across the league. And TV execs are already reshuffling schedules to put more of Clark’s games in prime time.

“The Caitlin Clark phenomenon is real,” said Fox Sports host Jason Whitlock. “She’s not just a star — she’s a cultural moment. And the league needs to lean into it, not run from it.”

Even NBA stars are chiming in. Kevin Durant recently called Clark “a game-changer” and predicted she’d be “the biggest thing women’s basketball has ever seen.”

Clark’s Response? Grace Under Pressure

As for Caitlin Clark herself? She’s staying focused — and staying humble.

In postgame interviews, Clark deflected attention from the ratings, crediting her teammates and expressing excitement about the season ahead.

“I just love playing,” she said. “That’s what I came here to do.”

But her cool demeanor hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many see Clark’s refusal to engage in drama as part of her growing appeal — a stark contrast to the outspoken style of some of her rivals.

“She’s got poise,” said WNBA analyst Monica McNutt. “You can’t fake that.”

The Bigger Picture: A WNBA Turning Point

What’s happening now isn’t just about Clark or Reese. It’s about a league on the brink of transformation.

For years, the WNBA struggled for mainstream attention. Now, with Caitlin Clark at the center of the spotlight, the league has an opportunity it’s never had before — and one it may not get again.

The challenge? Managing egos, expectations, and equality in a way that doesn’t alienate its veterans or fracture its locker rooms.

“This could be the WNBA’s golden era,” said one insider. “But only if they stop treating success like a threat.”

Conclusion: From Rivalries to Ratings — the Future Is Here

Caitlin Clark’s historic preseason debut has confirmed what many already suspected: she’s not just changing the game — she’s leading it into a new era.

But with that success comes friction. And as rivals like Angel Reese grapple with what that means, the league must decide how it will handle the heat.

Embrace the moment, or get left behind.

Because whether you love her, resent her, or can’t stop watching her — one thing is undeniable:

Caitlin Clark is the story. And for the WNBA, the spotlight is only getting brighter.