
ESPN highlights the growing rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, which began in the 2023 NCAA championship game. Both players are set to lead their respective teams, the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever, in the WNBA as they aim for championship success.

ESPN takes a stance in Angel Reese rivalry with Caitlin Clark originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The on-court rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese began in the 2023 NCAA championship game. It's slated to reach an entirely new level in 2026, as Clark is poised to spearhead the Indiana Fever's championship charge while Reese hopes to elevate her new team, the Atlanta Dream, into the WNBA Finals for the first time this decade.
Both Clark and Reese are commonly regarded as two of the WNBA's top young players. Drafted six picks apart in 2024, the two already have made history in their short time as professionals. Reese is a two-time rebounding champion; Clark was named Rookie of the Year in 2024 and broke the league's single-season assists record (though that mark was broken again in 2025).
MORE: Fever fans won't like Caitlin Clark's new ranking among WNBA players
The rivalry began during the 2023 NCAA championship game, where both players showcased their talents.
Angel Reese plays for the Atlanta Dream, while Caitlin Clark is with the Indiana Fever.
Angel Reese is a two-time rebounding champion, and Caitlin Clark was named Rookie of the Year in 2024 and set a single-season assists record.

Cameron Young takes the lead at the Cadillac Championship with an 8-under 64!
William Contreras led the Brewers with a 4-for-4 performance, including a homer and four RBIs, in a 13-1 victory over the Diamondbacks. The win came despite Brandon Woodruff's early exit due to injury.
Can the Lakers maintain their 3-0 playoff lead against the Rockets?
F1 Miami GP returns after a 5-week break with new FIA regulations.
Will Celtic's Arne Engels leave this summer? Title race outcome may decide his fate.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
ESPN has newly ranked the WNBA's top 50 players, a little more than a week before the start of the highly-anticipated 2026 season. And where the outlet has placed Reese and Clark adds a new element to their rivalry.
While ESPN ranks Clark as the WNBA's 10th-best player, Reese -- arguably the single-best rebounder in league history at age 23 -- sits 22nd, a reflection both of her talent and how her game can still grow as she embarks on a new adventure with Atlanta.
Reese's shot mechanics have to improve under Dream head coach Karl Smesko, who also will challenge the former LSU star to build on the promise she displayed as a ball-handler. But as the league's top rebounder joining the league's top rebounding team, everyone knows just what Reese's bread and butter is.