Double Standards on Full Display: Why Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Aren’t Being Judged the Same Way

In the middle of one of the WNBA’s most exciting rookie seasons in recent memory, two names keep rising to the top of every headline, highlight reel, and heated online debate: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Both are fierce competitors, generational talents, and unapologetically themselves on the court — but the way they’ve been treated by media, fans, and even fellow players? Couldn’t be more different. And now, fans are calling it what it is: a double standard that’s way too loud to ignore.

Let’s get this straight — this isn’t about who’s better. It’s about how they’re seen. And more importantly, why they’re not being seen through the same lens.

Two Rookies, Two Realities

Caitlin Clark, the pride of Iowa, entered the league with a record-breaking college resume, endless media hype, and an almost mythic aura around her shooting range and vision. The WNBA practically rolled out a red carpet when she got drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever.

Angel Reese, on the other hand, came in as a national champion, a cultural icon after LSU’s unforgettable 2023 run, and a player who never shied away from talking her talk. Drafted by the Chicago Sky, she brought intensity, swagger, and a fan base that followed her from Baton Rouge with passion.

And yet, as both rookies navigate their first WNBA season, it’s become crystal clear — they’re not playing on the same public playing field.

When Clark Talks Her Talk, It’s “Swagger.” When Reese Does It? “Attitude.”

Look no further than on-court expressions. When Caitlin Clark hits a deep three and stares someone down, it’s “fiery,” “competitive,” and “a sign of greatness.” But when Angel Reese flexes, trash talks, or throws a little side-eye? The words that follow are “disrespectful,” “unsportsmanlike,” or worse — “ghetto,” “classless,” or “too much.”

The same actions. Different reactions. And fans are noticing.

“Y’all let Clark do it and call it leadership, but Reese does it and suddenly it’s bad for the game?” one fan tweeted during a recent Sky-Fever matchup. That tweet has over 2 million views. And it’s not the only one.

There’s a growing chorus online — especially among Black fans and former players — who see something deeper at play. Race, class, and media narrative are shaping the way these two women are perceived. And the difference isn’t just unfair — it’s exhausting.

Media Coverage Isn’t Helping

Let’s talk headlines. The national media can’t get enough of Caitlin Clark. She’s in every highlight package. Every post-game breakdown. ESPN, SportsCenter, the New York Times — everyone wants a piece of the Clark story.

And look, she’s earned the attention. Her shooting is ridiculous. Her vision is elite. She’s made the Indiana Fever relevant again. But Angel Reese? She’s out here averaging a double-double and setting rookie rebounding records — and somehow she’s the “controversial” one?

During one week in June, ESPN ran four separate Clark highlight packages in 72 hours. In that same span, Reese’s dominant 25-point, 16-rebound game barely made the ticker. The disparity isn’t just noticeable — it’s telling.

It tells players like Reese that they have to not only perform, but do so with a smile, “stay in their lane,” and not make too much noise — or else they’ll be labeled difficult.

The All-Star Snub That Said Everything

When the 2024 WNBA All-Star rosters were announced, Caitlin Clark made the cut — not a shock considering her popularity and fan votes. But Angel Reese? Despite her stats and impact, she was left off the initial roster. Fans were livid.

“She leads all rookies in rebounds, she’s changed the defensive identity of the Sky, and you’re telling me that’s not All-Star worthy?” one analyst said on national TV.

The backlash was so intense that even non-WNBA fans weighed in. It felt like proof that no matter what Reese did, it wouldn’t be “enough” unless she fit a narrative — one that was a little quieter, a little more polite, and a lot less Black.

Inside the Locker Rooms: Players Know

According to league insiders, this isn’t just a fan-driven conversation. Players talk about it too — quietly, off-camera, but they’re talking.

Some players allegedly confronted media reps about the disproportionate praise Clark receives compared to other rookies. “It’s not hate,” one veteran reportedly said. “It’s just reality. There’s a lot of us who’ve done just as much, and we didn’t get that push. We didn’t get the protection.”

Others pointed out how Clark’s physical safety — and the league’s response to it — became national news, while similar hard fouls against players like Reese, Aliyah Boston, or Arike Ogunbowale were barely mentioned.

Clark and Reese: Not Enemies, Just Symbols

What’s ironic is that Clark and Reese themselves aren’t enemies. In fact, they’ve both shown mutual respect multiple times. Clark has praised Reese’s rebounding and competitive fire. Reese has said Clark deserves her flowers as a shooter and game-changer.

But the system around them — the media, the fans, the leagues — has turned them into symbols of two sides. And that’s where the real issue lies.

Clark has become the face of a “new, cleaner” WNBA in the eyes of certain fans and sponsors. Reese represents the unapologetic, culturally proud, and often misunderstood Black identity that gets penalized for being too real.

So What Now?

The league’s future is bright — no question. With young stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, and others, the WNBA is entering a golden era of talent. But for that future to be truly equitable, the conversation can’t just be about who scores more or who sells more jerseys.

It has to be about fairness. Visibility. Respect. And calling out the coded language and hidden biases that shape the way players are talked about, celebrated, or ignored.

Fans are holding receipts now. Social media isn’t letting these double standards slide. And maybe, just maybe, that pressure will start to reshape the narrative.

Because the truth is: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are both the future of the WNBA. And they both deserve to shine — without one being dimmed to make the other look brighter.