Getty Image / Emilee Chinn
Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark form one of the most natural rivalries we’ve seen in sports in quite a long time. In fact, it’s hard to think of a bigger rivalry in American sports right now.
But, the two could actually end up playing as teammates at the WNBA All-Star Game next month, something that could break the brains of many internet trolls.
The WNBA All-Star Game is coming up on July 20, with the format this year being WNBA All-Stars against Team USA. Neither player will be representing Team USA in Paris this summer, but both are almost certainly headed to the All-Star Game in Phoenix. Take a look at the voting standings currently.
Here's the first round of voting for the WNBA All-Star Game. This rookie class is truly game-changing as far as fan popularity. pic.twitter.com/nOVQGJxAY6
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) June 21, 2024
The discourse about them being on the same team would be wild, as it seems like the entire internet has chosen sides in the rivalry.
The rivalry between the two goes back to the 2023 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship Game, when Reese and LSU beat Clark and Iowa in what was at the time the most-watched women’s college hoops game ever. Reese mocked Caitlin Clark near the end of the game, setting off a firestorm.
The two would meet again in college in the Elite Eight this year, and Clark and the Hawkeyes got the better of Angel Reese that time, advancing to the Final Four.
It’s carried over into the WNBA, as well. The two have met twice since Clark was taken with the first-overall pick and Reese was taken with the seventh-overall pick. The Fever have won both matchups, which have featured controversial incidents involving the two.
In the first meeting, Clark was given a cheap shot by Sky guard Chennedy Carter, and Angel Reese was spotted cheering it on. Then, in the second matchup, Reese was called for a flagrant foul when she went for a block and instead hit the head of Clark. Both players agreed that it was a basketball play and an accident.
For what it’s worth, both players have repeatedly said that there is no ill-will between each other. Maybe seeing them on the same team will get people to believe them.
The two square off for the third time in the WNBA on Sunday afternoon.