Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: Balancing the Narrative in the WNBA

The 2024 WNBA season has seen a surge in interest, largely due to the entry of high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While Clark's impact on the WNBA is undeniable, the league and media need to ensure they do not marginalize other rising stars like Reese, who bring equal value and popularity to the league. This approach echoes the transformative impact of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on the NBA, whose rivalry began in college and carried into their professional careers, revitalizing the league.

The Impact of Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark, selected first overall by the Indiana Fever, has brought significant attention to the WNBA. Her record-breaking performances in college and her charismatic play style have attracted millions of new fans. Clark's ability to make long-range shots and her dazzling assists have made her a standout player. Her influence was evident when a record 18.9 million viewers tuned in to the NCAA championship game where Iowa competed against South Carolina, underscoring her star power and marketability (MPR News) (Yahoo Sports).

Clark's preseason stats set the stage for her impressive start in the WNBA. She scored 21 points in her debut and continued to perform well, averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game over her first five games. Her shooting percentages are solid, with a field goal percentage of .403 and a three-point percentage of .326 (MPR News). However, her high turnover rate (5.8 per game) indicates an area for improvement.

Clark's marketability is further highlighted by her NIL deals during her college career. With a valuation of $1 million, her partnerships with major brands like Nike and Hy-Vee underscore her appeal. Despite having fewer deals than Reese, the significance of her endorsements cannot be overlooked (Yahoo Sports).

The Case for Angel Reese

Despite the spotlight on Clark, Angel Reese, who plays for the Chicago Sky, is also making substantial contributions both on and off the court. Reese's preseason and early regular season stats show she is a formidable player, leading the rookies in rebounds and maintaining strong performance metrics in points and assists (Yahoo Sports). Reese averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game in the preseason and has continued to impress in the regular season, averaging 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Her efficiency is reflected in her Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 15.9 (MPR News).

Reese's social media following surpasses Clark's, with Reese boasting 3.2 million followers on Instagram and nearly 500,000 on Twitter, demonstrating her wide-reaching influence (MPR News). Her engagement rates are also higher, with about 8% engagement across both platforms compared to Clark's 7% on Twitter.

Reese's marketing potential is highlighted by her numerous endorsement deals, including high-profile brands like Coach, Amazon, and WingStop, which contribute to her estimated NIL valuation of $1.8 million, significantly higher than Clark's $1 million (Yahoo Sports). Despite this, Reese has not received equivalent media attention, with significantly fewer posts about her on WNBA's social media platforms compared to Clark (MPR News).

Media Narratives and Player Promotion

Here’s the thing; Clark's scoring prowess was evident from her freshman and sophomore years back at Iowa, where she consistently dominated the court with her remarkable shooting and playmaking abilities. However, it was during her junior campaign that the spotlight truly intensified, particularly as her Iowa team advanced towards an anticipated clash with Reese's LSU in the NCAA tournament. This high-stakes encounter culminated in a dramatic game where Clark's Iowa squad fell to LSU. Reese's post-game taunting of Clark not only highlighted the competitive fire between the two but also set the stage for an intense rivalry. Clark might still be hugely popular, but it wouldn’t be anything close to what we see today without Reese. This moment was pivotal, drawing significant attention to Clark and catalyzing her rise in fan support. The WNBA has a prime opportunity to leverage this rivalry, much like the historic Bird and Magic rivalry in the NBA, to enhance the league's narrative and appeal.

The WNBA must balance its promotional efforts to include all its stars. Focusing predominantly on one player can alienate fans and diminish the contributions of other talented athletes, not to mention flat-out pissing them off. The comparison to Bird and Magic's era in the NBA is pertinent; their rivalry and mutual promotion helped elevate the entire league. Similarly, the WNBA should harness the rivalry and individual stories of players like Clark and Reese to build a broader, more inclusive narrative.

Charles Barkley recently commented on the attention Clark has brought to the WNBA, suggesting that veteran players should appreciate her contribution. "You women out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking that girl [Clark] for getting y’all ass private charters. All the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA, don’t be petty like dudes. Listen, what she’s accomplished, give her her flowers," Barkley said (Yahoo Sports). Reese responded on Twitter, highlighting her team's accomplishments: "And that's on getting a WIN in a packed arena not just cause of one player on our charter flight. #SKYTOWN" (Yahoo Sports).

LeBron James also praised Clark, stating, "Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are gonna happen for the WNBA. I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before. I’ve walked that road before. I hope she kills!” (Yahoo Sports).

Chiney Ogwumike offered a more balanced perspective, emphasizing support for all the rookies: "Charles and Inside the NBA team are the GOATs of the industry, so respectfully I’ll offer my perspective with love. Every WNBA player I know supports this rookie class and are grateful for the spotlight & money that Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and co. are bringing to the W!" (Yahoo Sports).

While Barkley and James attempted to support the league and Clark, they were off base in attributing the reason for all new attention on the league solely to Clark. Reese and the Sky are also selling out jerseys and games, and Reese has a massive following as well. On Instagram, Reese has ten times the following of Barkley. It's absurd to say her mentions and attention haven't contributed to interest in the league as well. Ogwumike's inclusive comments are a model for how the WNBA should approach promoting its players.

Statistical Comparisons and Market Impact

Through the first few games of the season, Reese has demonstrated her prowess, ranking second among rookies in points per game and first in rebounds per game. Her performance in a sellout game against the New York Liberty further cements her status as a key player for the Sky (Yahoo Sports). Comparatively, while Clark leads in points and assists per game, her team, the Indiana Fever, has struggled to secure wins (Yahoo Sports).

The disparity in media coverage is stark. Clark's sold-out jersey pre-orders received widespread coverage, while Reese's similar achievement was largely overlooked. This imbalance extends to social media, where despite Reese's larger following and higher engagement rates, the WNBA's official accounts have posted significantly more about Clark (MPR News).

The WNBA's promotion strategy should be more inclusive, highlighting the achievements and potential of all its rookies. The league's current approach risks alienating fans and undermining the contributions of other players who also bring significant value and excitement.

Additionally, placing all promotional efforts on a single player like Clark is risky, especially in the volatile world of sports where injuries are common. If Clark's health were to fail her, the WNBA's growth could come to a complete halt. Diversifying their promotional focus ensures that the league's growth is sustainable and not reliant on the health and performance of one individual player.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach

The WNBA should learn from the NBA's past and promote its star players equitably. Highlighting the rookie of the year race, showcasing top performances, and ensuring balanced media coverage are crucial steps. Players like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, who leads the league in blocks, deserve equal recognition and promotion. This approach not only enhances the league's appeal but also ensures a fair representation of all its talented athletes (MPR News).

To build a sustainable and inclusive narrative, the WNBA should:

Highlight Diverse Talents: Promote the stories and achievements of various players, not just the most popular ones. This includes statistical highlights, personal stories, and their impact on and off the court.
Balanced Media Coverage: Ensure that media coverage is evenly distributed. This involves working with media partners to highlight different players and teams, emphasizing the collective talent within the league.
Fan Engagement: Leverage social media to engage with a broader fan base. Interactive content, player takeovers, and behind-the-scenes footage can help fans connect with different players.
Marketing Campaigns: Develop marketing campaigns that feature multiple players. This can include joint advertisements, collaborative events, and cross-promotions with other sports leagues.
Community Involvement: Encourage players to participate in community events and social causes. This not only builds their personal brand but also fosters a deeper connection with the community and fans.
Rivalries and Storylines: Build on existing rivalries and create compelling storylines. The Bird-Magic rivalry is a prime example of how a narrative can captivate audiences. The WNBA can create similar narratives around Clark, Reese, and other rising stars.
Merchandising: Expand merchandising efforts to include a variety of players. Ensure that fans have access to a wide range of player merchandise, from jerseys to collectibles.
Player Development: Invest in player development both on and off the court. Provide opportunities for players to develop their skills, pursue educational opportunities, and engage in personal branding.

By addressing these imbalances, the WNBA can foster a more inclusive and engaging narrative, similar to the Bird-Magic era, ultimately benefiting the league as a whole. Promoting a balanced narrative that highlights the diverse talents within the league will not only enhance the WNBA's appeal but also ensure that all players receive the recognition they deserve. This approach will help build a stronger, more sustainable league that continues to grow and attract new fans.