In a stunning turn of events that’s rocking the WNBA, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky is seething with anger after being snubbed from the All-Star game, a decision that’s being seen as a direct comparison to Caitlin Clark’s dominance.

Reese, the 22-year-old forward who’s averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds this season, expected a spot on the roster given her breakout performances, but the final list left her out in favor of guards like Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum.

This rejection has fans, media, and even fellow players drawing stark contrasts, with many declaring that Reese simply doesn’t measure up to Clark’s star power. The fallout has ignited debates about favoritism, player rivalries, and the metrics of success in the league, leaving Reese to vent her frustrations publicly and privately.

Reese’s journey to this point has been marked by highs and lows, making the snub all the more personal. Drafted seventh overall in 2024, she’s quickly established herself as a rebounding force and a vocal leader, drawing on her college success at LSU to fuel her professional game.

However, Clark’s meteoric rise, with her record-breaking assists and scoring, has cast a long shadow, positioning her as the WNBA’s golden child. Reese has often been compared to Clark due to their shared draft class and on-court battles, but the All-Star voting has amplified those comparisons in a painful way.

Sources close to Reese indicate she’s felt the sting of being overlooked, especially after games where her contributions were pivotal yet underappreciated. In a post-game interview, Reese hinted at her disappointment, saying, “I’m out here giving it my all, but it feels like the narrative is set against me.”

The reaction from fans has been swift and divided, with social media platforms like X and TikTok becoming battlegrounds for debate. Hashtags such as #JusticeForReese and #ClarkOverReese have trended, as supporters rally to defend or criticize the decision.

Clark’s fanbase has been vocal in their praise, flooding timelines with stats that highlight her superiority, while Reese’s backers argue that her rebounding and defensive prowess make her an All-Star snub of epic proportions. One viral thread compiled Reese’s numbers against Clark’s, pointing out that while Clark leads in assists, Reese’s overall impact is undervalued.

Media outlets like ESPN have dissected the controversy, with analysts suggesting that the voting process, which combines fan, player, and media input, might be influenced by popularity rather than pure performance. This has only fueled Reese’s anger, as she perceives it as a rejection not just of her skills, but of her as a person.

Players across the league have weighed in, with some offering sympathy and others staying silent to avoid the drama. Teammates like Marina Mabrey of the Sky have shown solidarity, posting on Instagram, “Angel deserves better—this vote was a mistake.”

Rivals, such as Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, have remained neutral, focusing on their own seasons, but the incident has highlighted the cutthroat nature of the WNBA, where emerging stars compete not just on the court but for recognition off it.

Caitlin Clark herself has stayed above the fray, issuing a statement that emphasized unity: “We’re all in this together, and I respect everyone’s game.” However, the media’s defense of Clark in this context has only widened the gap, with commentators praising her as the league’s savior while questioning Reese’s consistency.

The WNBA’s response has been one of damage control, with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressing the controversy in a press release.

“All-Star selections are based on merit and fan input, and we stand by the process,” Engelbert stated, but her words have done little to appease critics. Accusations of bias have grown, with some arguing that the league’s push to promote Clark has come at the expense of players like Reese.

This incident has sparked broader discussions about equality in the WNBA, where players of color like Reese often feel their achievements are undervalued compared to white stars like Clark. Analysts on ESPN have noted the racial undertones, with one saying, “This isn’t just about votes; it’s about how the league markets its talent and addresses perceptions.”

The fallout from Reese’s snub has significant implications for the WNBA, potentially affecting fan loyalty and player morale. With the league experiencing a surge in popularity, incidents like this could alienate demographics and sponsors if seen as unfair.

Reese’s reaction has galvanized her supporters, leading to increased merchandise sales and social media engagement, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on her career. In the end, this rejection serves as a wake-up call for the WNBA, emphasizing the need for transparency and inclusivity in its processes.