In 2025, the world of women’s sports continues to thrive with new levels of attention, record-breaking performances, and rising stars who are reshaping the future of the game. Leading the charge is Caitlin Clark, the basketball phenom who has not only dazzled fans with her on-court excellence but has also emerged as a powerful cultural figure. Her recent honor as the “Most Influential Female Athlete” by Complex is a reflection of her extraordinary impact—not just in basketball, but across the entire sports landscape.
Clark’s rise to the top of Complex’s “Top 10 Most Influential Women in Sports” list is a moment worth celebrating for women’s basketball. As a generational talent, she has helped draw unprecedented attention to the WNBA and collegiate basketball, consistently shattering viewership records and selling out arenas. Her influence is not just measured by her statistics—though they are historic in their own right—but by the new audiences she has brought to the sport, including young girls who now dream of following in her footsteps.
But this moment also highlights the natural tension that can arise between athletes who share the spotlight. One such athlete is Angel Reese, the dynamic forward known for her grit, energy, and larger-than-life personality. Reese, who famously helped LSU win a national championship in 2023, has also become one of the most talked-about players in the game. Her style, confidence, and ability to stir conversation have carved out a space for her in the public eye, especially through social media where she commands a massive following.
However, the contrast between Clark and Reese is as intriguing as it is important. While Clark’s path has been marked by consistent play, humility, and quiet leadership, Reese’s rise has often been shaped by boldness, self-expression, and a strong presence on and off the court. Both athletes are shaping the future of the sport in very different ways—and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a reflection of the diversity and depth of personality that women’s basketball now proudly showcases.
Clark’s influence can be seen in nearly every metric. She has inspired a new generation of fans with her jaw-dropping three-point range, record-setting assists, and fearless shot-making. Her jersey is one of the most sought-after in women’s sports, and she’s already attracted major endorsement deals that extend beyond athletic apparel and into lifestyle, fashion, and media. Her every move is watched, analyzed, and celebrated—yet she continues to carry that spotlight with grace and focus.
Angel Reese, too, deserves credit for being part of the moment that helped shift public interest toward women’s hoops. Her championship celebration with LSU, her confidence, and her unapologetic approach to the game have made her a standout in her own right. There is power in representation, and Reese’s presence has empowered many young athletes who see themselves in her story. She embraces the role of disruptor—someone who challenges norms and isn’t afraid to speak out. That’s an important part of progress too.
Still, as Clark continues to rise and earn accolades like this “Most Influential Female Athlete” title, it’s natural for other competitors to reflect on where they stand. Reese’s reaction—one of visible disappointment, according to some media accounts—shouldn’t be viewed as petty or bitter, but rather as a moment of introspection. Great athletes are driven by a desire to be the best, and when that recognition goes to someone else, it can be a powerful motivator.
Instead of viewing this as a rivalry based in resentment or envy, it’s more productive—and accurate—to view it as an evolving competitive relationship. Reese and Clark both have the potential to elevate each other through competition. Think of Bird and Taurasi, or Serena and Venus. These stories often begin with tension, but they can grow into legacies that inspire millions.
For Reese, this could be a pivotal year. Her visibility is high, her fanbase is strong, and she has the tools to be one of the WNBA’s most dominant forwards. With a renewed focus on her development, refining her offensive game, and continuing to lead both vocally and physically, she can write a new chapter in her career—one not defined by comparison to Clark, but by her own sustained excellence.
As for Clark, the award is a recognition of what she’s already accomplished, but it’s also a preview of what’s to come. With the Indiana Fever now assembling a competitive roster around her and the WNBA embracing its most visible star in years, Clark’s influence will likely grow beyond basketball. From her poised interviews to her connection with fans, she’s becoming a global ambassador for the sport.
Ultimately, the beauty of this moment is that it isn’t about choosing sides. Sports thrive when there are multiple stars, multiple stories, and multiple ways to be great. Clark and Reese are very different, but both are needed. They challenge each other, they captivate audiences, and they make women’s basketball more interesting than it’s ever been.
So as Clark celebrates this new honor and Reese responds with renewed focus, the rest of us get to witness one of the most exciting eras in sports. Not because one player is better than another, but because both are pushing the game—and each other—to new heights. That’s what influence is all about.
