When news broke that Angel Reese’s rumored $10 million sponsorship deal had collapsed, fans immediately turned their attention to one name: Caitlin Clark. According to insiders and industry whispers, Clark’s overwhelming star power, unmatched marketability, and unprecedented influence in women’s basketball played a pivotal role in reshaping the priorities of major brands—leaving Reese on the outside looking in.

What was once seen as a blockbuster payday for the LSU standout has now become a cautionary tale of how quickly the tide can turn in the new WNBA era dominated by Clark.

The story begins with Reese, one of the most polarizing and recognizable figures in women’s basketball. Her college career at LSU, capped with a national title and the infamous rivalry with Clark, cemented her status as a household name.

That notoriety translated into major NIL opportunities and built momentum for what many expected to be a massive professional payday. Reports surfaced of a potential $10 million deal with a major sportswear brand—an unprecedented figure for a rookie. But as negotiations dragged on, everything changed.

Enter Caitlin Clark. From the moment she declared for the WNBA Draft, Clark altered the entire landscape of women’s sports marketing. Her arrival brought record-breaking TV ratings, sold-out arenas, and historic merchandise sales.

Brands saw in her not just a star, but a generational icon who could move the needle like never before. Suddenly, the attention and dollars earmarked for Reese began to shift. Marketing executives, seeing the feverish demand for Clark-related content, merchandise, and endorsements, started reallocating budgets toward the Indiana Fever guard.

One industry analyst summed it up bluntly: “Caitlin Clark is the story. She’s the one driving revenue, driving ratings, and creating a cultural moment. When you have a superstar like that, everyone else takes a back seat.”

For Reese, that meant the once-promised $10 million deal was quietly pulled off the table. Insiders say the brand instead pivoted to pursuing Clark, offering her an even larger deal that could redefine endorsement standards for women’s sports.

Fans were quick to connect the dots, and social media exploded. One viral post read: “Clark ended Reese’s deal without even trying. That’s how powerful she is right now.” Another fan wrote: “Angel Reese thought she was the star—Caitlin Clark just reminded everyone who really runs the game.” Hashtags like #ClarkEffect and #CaitlinEndedIt began trending as the story spread.

The fallout underscores the stark difference between being famous and being marketable. Reese has undeniable charisma, a strong fanbase, and a knack for keeping herself in headlines.

But Clark has proven to be a unifying force—her game, her story, and her influence transcending traditional fan bases and drawing in casual viewers at a historic pace. For brands, that means bigger audiences, more merchandise sales, and greater long-term potential.

Still, some critics argue the shift is unfair. They point out that Reese, despite her controversies, has been instrumental in driving attention to women’s basketball. “Angel created moments,” one analyst argued.

“Without her, the rivalry with Caitlin wouldn’t have exploded the way it did. She deserves recognition for helping build the platform Clark is now standing on.” But in the business of endorsements, recognition doesn’t always translate into dollars. Marketability wins, and right now, Clark is the undisputed queen.

Reese herself has not publicly addressed the reports of her lost deal, but her recent cryptic posts on Instagram have fueled speculation. In one story, she wrote, “People will try to dim your light when you’re shining too bright. Keep going.

 Many fans interpreted this as a veiled reference to the situation, suggesting she feels overlooked or slighted as Clark’s popularity soars. Meanwhile, Clark has remained focused on her rehab and preparation for next season, avoiding the noise but undoubtedly aware of the massive opportunities continuing to come her way.

For the WNBA, this saga highlights the league’s new reality. With Clark at the center, the market is rapidly changing. Brands are lining up not just to sign her, but to invest in the WNBA as a whole, hoping to ride the wave of momentum she’s created.

That means some players will thrive in the spotlight, while others—like Reese—may find themselves struggling to keep pace in an environment where one superstar dominates the narrative.

Stephen A. Smith addressed the situation on his show, delivering his usual fiery take. “Angel Reese is a star, no doubt about it. But Caitlin Clark? She’s a phenomenon. And in the business world, phenomenon beats star every single time. That’s why the money went where it did.”

His comments drew both praise and criticism, with Reese supporters accusing him of piling on while Clark’s fans celebrated the blunt honesty.

What happens next for Reese will be crucial. Losing out on a $10 million deal is a massive blow, but she still has opportunities. Her personality, visibility, and ability to spark conversation ensure she won’t disappear from the endorsement landscape entirely. However, she may need to reframe her brand—moving away from being seen solely as Clark’s rival and instead carving out her own unique identity that resonates with fans and companies alike.

For Clark, the sky seems to be the limit. Each week brings new reports of potential partnerships, sponsorships, and media projects. From shoe deals to documentary offers, she’s become the face of women’s basketball in ways no player before her has achieved.

And now, with Reese’s deal reportedly collapsing because of her dominance, Clark’s influence has reached an almost surreal level: she’s not only breaking records on the court, but rewriting the rules of the business off it.

In the end, the collapse of Reese’s $10 million deal isn’t just about one player losing out. It’s about the power shift happening right now in women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark has changed the game, forcing brands, networks, and even rival players to adapt to a new reality where her star shines brightest.

For Reese, it’s a harsh lesson. For Clark, it’s another victory. And for the WNBA, it’s proof that the league is entering a new era—one where everything begins and ends with Caitlin Clark.