The phrase “people watch women’s basketball because of me too” was never meant to be whispered. Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s headline-grabbing rookie, delivered it with the kind of confidence that turns heads and sparks debate. But as the 2025 WNBA season tips off, Reese’s bold declaration is being put to the test—and the results are as revealing as they are uncomfortable.

The Clip That Won’t Die

It began as a viral soundbite, a statement that followed Reese from LSU’s national championship run to her professional debut. “People watch women’s basketball because of me too.” It was a line that drew both admiration and skepticism, depending on who you asked. For Reese, it was a badge of pride—a willingness to play the villain, to shoulder the burden of being the game’s lightning rod.

But in the world of sports, talk is cheap and numbers don’t lie. And this season, the numbers are telling a story Reese can’t easily spin.

The Uncomfortable Press Conference

At a recent Chicago Sky press conference, a reporter asked Reese to revisit her famous claim. Did she still believe she was driving viewership, alongside fellow rookie sensation Caitlin Clark? Reese’s response—two terse words, “Next question”—sent a wave of awkwardness through the room and the internet alike.

It wasn’t just a dodge; it was an admission. For all the bravado of last year’s statement, Reese offered no new evidence, no defense, and no statistics to back it up. The moment was a microcosm of a larger truth: Reese’s impact, while significant, pales in comparison to the phenomenon that is Caitlin Clark.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s look at the receipts. Last season, the Chicago Sky averaged just 8,000 fans per home game. In contrast, the Indiana Fever—Clark’s new home—sold out every game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, packing over 17,000 fans per outing. The difference is staggering.

Even Reese’s much-hyped homecoming game at LSU drew a modest 6,000 fans—less than half the Pete Maravich Assembly Center’s capacity. Meanwhile, Clark’s return to Iowa as a pro saw 15,000 seats sell out in just 45 minutes, with over 1.3 million viewers tuning in on national television.

Merchandise tells the same story. Clark’s jersey is the second-best seller in basketball this year, trailing only Steph Curry and surpassing NBA legends like LeBron James. Reese? She doesn’t crack the top ten.

And then there’s the TV coverage. The Indiana Fever will have 41 out of 44 games nationally televised this season—more than even the Los Angeles Lakers. Networks aren’t making these decisions out of charity. They’re following the money, and the money is following Clark.

The Fever’s Blueprint for Success

What sets Clark apart isn’t just her talent—it’s the way the Indiana Fever have built around her. The organization has invested heavily in veteran talent, upgraded facilities, and launched aggressive marketing campaigns. They understand that star power isn’t enough; it needs to be backed by organizational commitment and a winning culture.

Sophie Cunningham, one of Clark’s new teammates, compared her to a young Diana Taurasi: “Her game is spicier, flashier, and somehow even more dangerous.” The Fever aren’t just selling tickets—they’re building a must-watch franchise.

Meanwhile, in Chicago…

The Sky’s approach to Reese has been less clear. Is she the future face of the franchise, or just another player? There’s been no comparable investment in talent, no grand vision for how to capitalize on Reese’s notoriety. The result is a team in search of an identity, and a player left to shoulder expectations she can’t meet alone.

Reese’s mother tried to do damage control on social media after the low turnout at LSU, tweeting, “Some fan bases celebrate attendance, others celebrate championship banners. We ain’t the same.” But the defensive tone only highlighted the contrast: while the Fever are celebrating both, the Sky are struggling to celebrate either.

Talk vs. Transformation

The contrast between Reese and Clark couldn’t be more striking. One makes bold claims about her impact, then ducks the follow-up. The other lets her play—and the numbers—do the talking. Clark’s effect on the league is so profound that teams are moving games to larger NBA arenas just to accommodate the demand. The Fever’s “Every Game is a Home Game” campaign isn’t just a slogan; it’s a reality.

This isn’t about who’s the better player or who’s more likable. It’s about results. Reese talked about being a catalyst for women’s basketball, but Clark is actually moving the needle—on attendance, merchandise, and national attention.

The Bottom Line

As the WNBA enters a new era, the lesson is clear: greatness isn’t about what you say—it’s about what you do. Angel Reese may have played the villain, but Caitlin Clark is playing the game—and winning in ways that can’t be denied.

The 2025 season will be a referendum not just on these two stars, but on what it takes to truly change a league. Some talk about greatness. Others achieve it, letting the numbers speak for themselves.

For now, the scoreboard isn’t close. And as long as the arenas are full and the cameras keep rolling, the world will know exactly why they’re watching.