The Caitlin Clark Effect: How One Player is Changing the WNBA Landscape and Leaving Angel Reese in the Shadows

The WNBA is no stranger to rivalries on the court, but few have stirred as much debate, drama, and division as the ongoing clash between Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Washington Mystics. What started as a fiery competition on the hardwood has evolved into a rivalry that now invades cities and arenas, shaking up the league’s very fabric. And the latest move by the Mystics to relocate home games just to accommodate the Fever’s star illustrates just how much Clark is reshaping the WNBA’s dynamics.

A Venue Change That Speaks Volumes

On September 7th, the Washington Mystics announced that their regular-season game against the Indiana Fever would be moved to the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. This decision, at first glance, may seem like a logistical adjustment, but it’s much more than that. It’s a tacit acknowledgment of the immense pull Caitlin Clark commands. Baltimore, not Washington, is now the stage where this anticipated matchup will unfold — signaling that Clark’s star power is rewriting the league’s geography and its business playbook.

Fans of Angel Reese, who is the Mystics’ marquee player, have been losing their minds over the venue change. Is this an act of trolling? Or is it a desperate move by a team and city that can’t compete with Clark’s growing fanbase? The answer seems clear: the Caitlin Clark effect is real, and it’s forcing teams to rethink how they market and host games.

The Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Rivalry: Beyond the Court

While the on-court battles between Clark and Reese are intense, the rivalry extends far beyond physical matchups and stat sheets. Fans in Chicago, Baltimore, and beyond are divided, and social media buzz is dominated by debates about who truly represents the future of the league.

Angel Reese, known for her hustle and energy, has a dedicated fanbase that swears she’s the WNBA’s next big thing. But Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable and multi-faceted. From her jaw-dropping logo three-pointers to her playmaking wizardry, Clark is not just a player; she’s a phenomenon that’s driving the WNBA into a new era.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Before Clark’s arrival, the WNBA was experiencing steady but incremental growth — about 40% increase in viewership from 2022 to 2023. Since Clark stepped onto the scene, that growth has skyrocketed to an eye-popping 400%. That means the league’s popularity isn’t just growing; it’s exploding. Clark’s presence alone accounted for 45% of all broadcast value last season and contributed to a 500% surge in merchandise sales, with her jersey ranking number one in sales.

By comparison, Angel Reese’s contributions, while valuable, don’t move the needle the same way. Reese fans often point to her double-doubles and highlight reels, but outside of her fan bubble, the impact isn’t comparable. Where Clark sells out arenas, breaks attendance records, and drives viral highlights, Reese’s moments often revolve around controversy or mid-level performances.

What Makes Caitlin Clark Different?

Caitlin Clark’s appeal lies not just in her athletic skill but in her ability to transform games into must-watch events. Cities like Chicago saw their arenas packed and buzzing with excitement when the Fever came to town. The energy was electric — but the crowd wasn’t there for Angel Reese’s blocks or rebounds; they came to see Clark redefine what women’s basketball looks like.

Her ability to draw casual fans into die-hard followers is changing the WNBA’s narrative. Games with Clark on the floor are no longer just basketball matches; they are cultural moments. The Fever’s ticket sales have skyrocketed, and rival teams are scrambling to move their home games to larger venues to accommodate the demand.

The Angel Reese Fanbase: Caught in the Crossfire

Angel Reese fans are in a tough spot. They’ve spent months hyping her as the face of the league, but reality keeps hitting hard. Unlike Clark, Reese struggles with consistency, often missing key shots and being the center of drama rather than the spotlight on the court. Her highlight moments sometimes feel overshadowed by her off-court antics or on-court frustrations.

Moreover, every time Reese stumbles, there’s a flood of excuses: she’s young, still adjusting, needs more time. Meanwhile, Clark faces triple teams and physical play every game yet continues to post record-breaking stats and lead her team to victories. The contrast couldn’t be starker.

Business is Business

The WNBA is a professional sports league, and as with any business, revenue and viewership are king. Caitlin Clark is bringing the money — through ticket sales, merchandise, broadcast ratings, and national attention. She is turning regular-season games into prime-time events and forcing other teams to take notice.

The Mystics, for instance, have to contend with the fact that every time Clark visits Washington, the city belongs to her. Her jersey sales, the buzz on social media, and the viral moments dominate the narrative. This has put the Mystics in a bind — they must promote Angel Reese as their star, but they cannot ignore Clark’s overwhelming popularity.

A Shift in the WNBA’s Cultural Landscape

The cultural impact Clark is having on women’s basketball is profound. She is expanding the league’s audience by attracting younger fans, casual watchers, and new markets. The WNBA’s visibility is no longer niche; it’s mainstream, and Clark is at the heart of this transformation.

Angel Reese represents a different kind of player — one full of energy and emotion but not yet proven to be a consistent game-changer or business driver. While Reese’s role is important, the future of the WNBA is clearly tied to stars who can both perform at the highest level and draw in massive audiences. Clark fits that mold perfectly.

The Bottom Line

The venue shift to Baltimore, the packed arenas in Chicago, the surge in viewership, and the explosion of merchandise sales all point to one inescapable truth: Caitlin Clark is the WNBA’s biggest star and the player most responsible for the league’s recent surge in popularity.

Angel Reese may be talented and passionate, but she has yet to reach the level of influence and impact that Clark has achieved. The rivalry will continue, both on and off the court, but the numbers, fan reaction, and business realities make it clear who is currently driving the league forward.

As the 2025 season progresses, one thing is certain — the Caitlin Clark effect is not a passing phase. It’s a fundamental shift in the WNBA, one that could redefine the future of women’s basketball for years to come. And for teams and fans alike, learning to navigate this new landscape will be the challenge — and opportunity — of this generation.