Dawn Staley on the Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese Rivalry: “This Is Great for Women’s Basketball”

As tensions simmered following the headline-grabbing clash between WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, legendary South Carolina coach Dawn Staley offered a refreshingly measured perspective—urging fans and the media to focus on the bigger picture: the growth of women’s basketball.

Appearing on The Breakfast Club on 105.1 FM in New York City, Staley addressed the incident with wisdom and grace.
“Officiating is tough. Was it a Flagrant 1? That’s up to the refs,” Staley said. “But this is just sports. These moments happen all the time—in soccer, football, basketball. Let’s not overblow it. Let it be part of the game.”

During the May 17 matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Clark committed a hard foul on Reese that was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after review. The incident briefly escalated on the court, with Reese confronting Clark and Fever star Aliyah Boston stepping in to diffuse the situation. Technical fouls were issued, but both players moved on quickly.

And that, Staley insists, is exactly what everyone else should do too.
“I’m going to follow Angel and Caitlin’s lead,” she said. “They both said it was a foul, the officials handled it, and it’s time to move forward. That’s the energy we should all carry.”

WNBA Investigates Alleged Hate Comments

The drama didn’t end on the court. The WNBA is currently investigating reports of hateful comments directed at Angel Reese by fans during the game in Indianapolis. The league released a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward racism and discrimination.
“We strongly condemn racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms—they have no place in our league or in society,” the WNBA stated.

Indiana Fever and Pacers Sports & Entertainment echoed this commitment to a safe environment, promising full cooperation with the league’s investigation.

“Open Your Eyes to the Talent Beyond Caitlin”

Clark, the No. 1 pick from Iowa and a national sensation, has undeniably drawn a wave of new fans to the WNBA. Staley sees this as a golden opportunity—but also a call to action.
“Caitlin brings in new fans, and that’s amazing. But I hope those fans don’t stop there,” Staley said. “There’s so much talent across this league. The product is incredible, and it’s in high demand. I’ll be glued to their next matchup just like everyone else—I’m a fan, too.”

In a league rapidly gaining momentum and media spotlight, this moment—controversy and all—might just be the spark women’s basketball needs to reach new heights.