Even though Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are very different players, many people insist on comparing them. Some even claim they are WNBA rivals, a statement that WNBA legend Sylvia Fowles disagrees with.
Fowles believes that both women’s basketball stars had a college career that made them stand out. In fact, it pushed them into the professional league, but that does not mean they are rivals.
A clear view of each player’s role
According to The Sports Rush, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s careers have become highly scrutinized by WNBA fans. This has led many analysts to compare them and even label them rivals.
However, for Fowles, when Clark’s Indiana Fever face Reese’s Chicago Sky, it is a meeting of stars. “I won’t call it a rivalry… I think that sounds good for the media. They are phenomenal players doing two totally different things,” the former WNBA player told Adit Pujari of The Sports Rush in an exclusive interview.
Caitlin Clark responds to Angel Reese after she tried to fight her today. She did not hold back! pic.twitter.com/8RgQokEgre
— DNP Sports (@notthefakeDNP) May 18, 2025
She is right, considering that Reese and Clark play very different positions. Reese shines by creating plays through her extraordinary rebounding, even when it seems impossible, while Clark is an offensive hub, comparable to players like James Harden and Trae Young.
“Both are amazing in their roles… But if it draws more attention and media coverage, I’m all for it,” Fowles said. Both players enjoy huge popularity right now. However, if they agree with the label of rivals, Fowles doesn’t see a problem. “You really cannot compare the two. But if they want to embrace it and give us more airtime, then go ahead,” she added.
The former WNBA star fully supports the growth of women’s basketball players. For her, what matters is each player’s individual rise, beyond any comparisons analysts might make.
