“Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Make WNBA Preseason Returns to Former Colleges, But One Game Draws Bigger Crowd”
Angel Reese’s LSU homecoming took place on Friday, with the Tigers’ arena mostly empty. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s return to Carver Hawkeye Arena was an immediate sellout, culminating in a packed house on Sunday afternoon.
As talk of the sellout swirled ahead of Clark’s game, Reese’s mom, Angel Webb Reese, took to X to address comparisons between the homecoming attendances of the two players.
“Aww, that certain fan base is celebrating ‘attendance’ in the stands while others are celebrating championship banners in the rafters,” Webb Reese wrote. “We ain’t the same. Different year, same haters. Have a great day.”
Webb Reese’s remarks stem from the ongoing rivalry between her daughter and Caitlin Clark, which reached a peak during the 2023 national championship game, where Reese and LSU defeated Clark and Iowa, 102-85.
Clark has generally stayed out of the drama, with both her and Reese insisting that there’s no bad blood and it’s all part of the competitive spirit.
While Webb Reese’s post appears to be aimed more at the fans fueling the conversation about the attendance differences, it still hints at some lingering frustration over the attention Clark receives—especially considering LSU defeated her and won the title just two years ago.
Caitlin Clark put on a show in front of her alma mater this weekend.
Indiana Fever and WNBA G.O.A.T Caitlin Clark getting SWARMED for autographs after her game vs Brazilian National Team
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/DcHoUMGsap
— TrendingSportsPodcast (@TrendingSportsP) May 5, 2025
The Indiana Fever dominated their exhibition game against the Brazilian national team with a commanding 108-44 victory in front of Caitlin Clark’s alma mater, where the rookie star contributed 16 points.
Clark received overwhelming support from fans—and even admiration from Brazil’s players and head coach, who praised her by saying, “You’ve changed the history in basketball.”
Clark responded graciously: “I appreciate it. Thanks for coming here and playing us.”
Angel Reese also faced the Brazilian national team in her exhibition game with the Chicago Sky, leading her team to an 89-62 victory. Reese recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in front of her alma mater, where she spent two seasons and played a key role in LSU’s 2023 national championship.
“I’m just happy to be back to see all the fans, even down to the security guards, because I know how much was put into this program,” Reese said.
