The WNBA’s 2024 season hasn’t even tipped off yet, but the buzz surrounding Caitlin Clark has already reached unprecedented heights.

Fresh off a record-breaking college career at Iowa, the Indiana Fever guard has become the face of a league surging in popularity—and the numbers prove it.

This week, ESPN announced that Clark’s games will be broadcast nationally 28 times this season, a staggering figure that surpasses the television coverage of several NBA teams.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the sports world, reigniting debates about viewership, marketability, and the growing influence of women’s basketball. But for Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, Clark’s meteoric rise has reportedly sparked a different reaction: envy.

Sources close to Reese, the former LSU star and Clark’s college rival, revealed that the Sky forward was “stunned” by the disparity in national TV appearances between the two. While Clark’s Fever will dominate primetime slots, Reese’s Chicago squad is slated for just 12 nationally televised games.

The gap isn’t just a reflection of individual star power—it’s a commentary on the WNBA’s shifting priorities. Clark, with her jaw-dropping shooting range and viral highlight reels, has become a media darling, drawing comparisons to NBA icons like Stephen Curry.

Reese, a dominant rebounder and defensive force, plays a more traditional style that, while effective, hasn’t captured the same mainstream attention.

The WNBA’s decision to prioritize Clark’s games is a calculated bet on her ability to draw viewers. Last season, the league averaged 558,000 viewers per game—a 17% increase from 2022—but Clark’s arrival is expected to shatter those numbers.

Her college finale against South Carolina drew 12.3 million viewers, more than any NBA Finals game since 2020.

ESPN and other networks are banking on that momentum carrying into the pros. “Caitlin isn’t just a player; she’s a phenomenon,” said one network executive. “We’re investing in her ability to grow the entire sport.”

For Reese, the coverage imbalance stings. The 2023 NCAA champion has her own massive following, particularly in the South and among fans who admire her gritty, no-nonsense play.

But her rivalry with Clark, which peaked during last year’s NCAA title game, has taken on a new dimension in the WNBA. While Clark’s Fever are being marketed as the league’s next dynasty, Reese’s Sky are still searching for their identity.

Chicago’s roster, though talented, lacks the star power to compete for primetime slots—a reality that Reese reportedly finds frustrating.

The disparity in coverage also highlights broader inequities in how women’s sports are marketed. While Clark’s games will air on ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, Reese’s will mostly be relegated to regional networks and streaming platforms.

Critics argue that the WNBA is over-indexing on Clark’s appeal at the expense of other rising stars. “The league is treating Caitlin like she’s the only story,” said one analyst. “But there are 144 players in this league, and many of them deserve the spotlight too.”

Yet Clark’s impact is undeniable. Her jersey sales have outsold every active NBA player on Fanatics this year, and her social media following (over 2 million on Instagram) dwarfs that of most WNBA veterans.

Brands like Nike and State Farm have lined up to partner with her, recognizing her potential to transcend basketball. For the Fever, Clark’s presence has already translated into tangible success: the team sold out its entire season-ticket inventory by April, a first in franchise history.

Reese, meanwhile, is channeling her frustration into motivation. In a recent interview, she brushed off questions about the coverage gap, insisting she’s focused on “proving herself on the court.”

But her camp has quietly pushed the Sky to advocate for more national exposure. “Angel knows she’s a star,” said a source close to the team. “She just wants the platform to show it.”

The WNBA has defended its scheduling decisions, noting that TV slots are determined by a mix of team performance, market size, and player appeal. “We’re thrilled to showcase Caitlin’s games, but we’re also committed to growing the league as a whole,” a spokesperson said.

Still, the optics are hard to ignore. Clark’s Fever will appear on national TV nearly as often as the entire Western Conference combined—a stark reminder of the league’s East Coast-centric marketing strategy.

For fans, the Clark-Reese dynamic adds a layer of drama to an already electrifying season. Their college rivalry, which drew record ratings and endless headlines, has seamlessly transitioned to the pros.

When the Fever and Sky face off in June, it will be one of the most anticipated games of the year—a showdown framed as “Redemption vs. Hype.”

Reese, known for her trash-talking and competitive fire, will have a chance to quiet critics who claim she’s been overshadowed. Clark, ever the showwoman, will aim to prove her stardom is no fluke.

But beyond the rivalry, the coverage debate raises questions about the WNBA’s long-term strategy. Is the league wise to lean so heavily on one player, or does it risk alienating fans who want to see a broader range of talent?

Clark’s success could lift all boats—if the WNBA ensures other stars aren’t left in her wake. Reese, for her part, is determined to force the league’s hand. “I’m here to win,” she said recently. “The cameras will follow.”

As the season approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Clark’s Fever are poised to become the WNBA’s flagship franchise, while Reese’s Sky fight to prove they belong in the conversation.

The TV numbers will tell one story, but the games themselves will write the next chapter. For now, the league—and its fans—are watching closely.