Napheesa Collier has sparked a firestorm in the WNBA with her bold comments about Angel Reese and her call for Caitlin Clark to join the “Unrivaled” movement. In a candid interview, Collier suggested that Reese’s personality and off-court antics have unintentionally drawn unparalleled attention to the WNBA, leading to an increase in viewership but also overshadowing some of the league’s other stars. While many have lauded Reese’s ability to attract eyeballs, Collier has pointed out that the focus on Reese’s drama has somewhat diverted attention away from the athletes who are purely dedicated to showcasing their talent. Collier’s remarks come at a time when the WNBA is navigating its growing popularity, and the competition for media attention is fiercer than ever.
Reese’s bold persona has undeniably increased viewership, especially as her name frequently appears in the headlines due to her larger-than-life attitude. However, Collier feels that Reese’s narrative, often shaped by moments outside of basketball, is distracting from the more grounded approach that players like herself and Clark take. Collier emphasized that while Reese’s moments of controversy capture the public’s eye, it’s the players like Clark—who have cultivated a more authentic and performance-driven identity—that will define the future of the league. “I love the energy that players like Angel bring, but we need to focus more on elevating the game,” Collier stated, calling for a shift in how players build their brands.
Collier’s frustration with Reese’s influence goes deeper than just the shift in media attention—it also highlights the internal competition for supremacy within the WNBA. While Reese’s presence has been a boon for the league in terms of viewership, Collier believes that if the WNBA is to maintain its upward trajectory, players like Clark must join the “Unrivaled” movement to fully capitalize on the league’s momentum. “Caitlin is the future of this league. If she steps into ‘Unrivaled,’ the sky’s the limit,” Collier continued. She begged Clark to step up, calling her one of the most compelling athletes to ever play the game. The “Unrivaled” movement, which Collier has been championing, aims to unify players under a banner of talent and competition, free from the distractions of external drama.
The “Unrivaled” campaign has already gained traction among WNBA fans, but Collier’s plea for Clark’s participation may be the missing piece the movement needs to reach the next level. As a player who has made a name for herself with consistent excellence and leadership, Clark’s involvement could bring a fresh, performance-driven perspective to the movement. Fans have been vocal about wanting to see more of Clark’s on-court prowess featured on a national stage, and Collier’s appeal adds weight to that call. If Clark were to accept, it would likely send a strong message to both the media and her peers about the importance of prioritizing talent over drama.
With Reese, Collier, and Clark now emerging as the faces of the future, the WNBA is at a crossroads. The league can choose to continue focusing on drama-driven storylines or double down on elevating the game itself. Collier’s remarks underscore the need for a more balanced approach, where the spotlight shines on the raw talent that makes the WNBA unique. As the league continues to grow, players like Collier and Clark—who embody the essence of basketball excellence—could play a pivotal role in defining its next chapter.
