WNBA rising star Angel Reese is making waves both on and off the court, partnering with McDonald’s to introduce the highly anticipated ‘Angel Reese Special.’ The Chicago Sky forward sees the collaboration as more than just a business move—it’s a statement about the power and marketability of female athletes. However, the timing of the announcement has sparked renewed debates, with some questioning whether Reese’s growing brand success is being positioned as a counter to Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise in the WNBA.
Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence and fiery competitiveness, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of visibility for women’s basketball. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about proving that female athletes deserve these opportunities,” Reese stated. But Clark’s continued dominance in media headlines has fueled speculation that Reese’s deal is McDonald’s attempt to capitalize on the league’s biggest rivalry. Some fans believe this is a response to Clark’s record-breaking merchandise sales and endorsement deals, further intensifying the debate over who truly defines the WNBA’s new era.
The tension between the two young stars dates back to their college days, where Reese’s LSU squad famously defeated Clark’s Iowa team in the 2023 national championship. Since entering the WNBA, the rivalry has only grown, with both players drawing massive viewership and heated debates over who deserves more recognition. While Clark has dominated the spotlight with her historic performances, Reese has made it clear she’s just as capable of leading the charge for the league’s future, using business ventures like the McDonald’s deal to solidify her place in the conversation.
Despite the controversy, Reese remains focused on paving the way for future female athletes, using her platform to push for more endorsement opportunities within women’s sports. “If Caitlin’s breaking records and I’m securing deals like this, it only means one thing—women’s basketball is winning,” she said, shutting down claims that her success should be viewed as a competition with Clark. Still, the comparisons persist, with analysts debating whether Reese’s commercial appeal can truly match Clark’s unprecedented financial and cultural impact.
As the WNBA’s newest stars continue to redefine the league’s landscape, the rivalry between Reese and Clark remains a lightning rod for conversation. Whether it’s on the court or in the business world, both players are setting new standards—but with each move Reese makes, the divide between supporters and critics grows deeper. With the ‘Angel Reese Special’ now hitting McDonald’s locations, one thing is certain: this rivalry isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
