Fans tuned out — and the numbers don’t lie. While Caitlin Clark breaks records, Angel Reese faces a harsh reality check.

Chicago, IL — Angel Reese, one of the most talked-about rookies heading into the 2024 WNBA season, is facing mounting scrutiny after the Chicago Sky’s preseason game posted the lowest TV ratings in WNBA preseason history — a stark contrast to the record-shattering numbers brought in by Caitlin Clark’s debut with the Indiana Fever.

The moment was supposed to be part of Reese’s rise as a professional star. But instead of fanfare, fireworks, or buzz, the Sky’s preseason broadcast barely registered with viewers — igniting a wave of online backlash, media debate, and speculation about Reese’s role in the league’s popularity gap.

And insiders say Reese didn’t take the news lightly.

“She was absolutely livid when she heard about the numbers,” one source close to the team revealed. “There was a lot of frustration behind the scenes. She’s a competitor, and this stings.”

The Ratings Shock That No One Saw Coming

According to early Nielsen data, the Chicago Sky’s recent preseason matchup failed to attract a significant national audience, drawing just a fraction of the viewership compared to games featuring Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.

The ratings were so low that sports analysts began asking whether the hype around Reese — a college superstar at LSU and self-proclaimed “face of the league” — is translating into real fan engagement.

“It’s not about skill — Angel Reese can play,” one analyst said. “But Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon. She’s pulling in numbers we’ve never seen. Reese, by contrast, isn’t moving the needle right now.”

That comparison, fair or not, is now dominating the WNBA conversation.

Clark’s Meteoric Rise Leaves Reese in the Shadow

Caitlin Clark’s first preseason appearances with the Indiana Fever have shattered WNBA viewership records, sent merchandise flying off the shelves, and even forced venue changes to accommodate sold-out crowds.

Her opening game reportedly drew over 500,000 viewers — a staggering number for a preseason WNBA contest — and her jersey is among the best-selling in all of sports.

Meanwhile, the Sky’s preseason games have struggled to attract even a modest share of national attention. And Reese, known for her fiery personality and social media presence, appears to be taking it personally.

Sources say the drop in ratings has sparked internal frustration within the Sky organization and among Reese’s camp.

“She wants to win on and off the court,” one insider said. “Seeing another rookie dominate the spotlight — it’s getting to her.”

Fans React: “She’s No Caitlin Clark”

The internet, as always, was quick to weigh in.

Social media lit up with blunt reactions to the ratings flop, with many fans posting side-by-side comparisons between Reese and Clark — from TV numbers to media coverage to fan turnout.

“She talks a big game, but the league is showing who really moves the needle,” one user tweeted. “She’s no Caitlin Clark.”

Others defended Reese, arguing that she’s being unfairly scrutinized and that Clark’s hype machine is being fueled by media bias.

Still, the narrative forming is hard to ignore: Clark is drawing eyeballs. Reese isn’t.

And in the WNBA, where visibility is everything, those numbers can have long-term consequences — on endorsements, team revenue, and even playing time.

Reese Fires Back, But Will It Be Enough?

In typical fashion, Angel Reese didn’t stay quiet for long.

Though she hasn’t directly addressed the ratings drop, she posted a cryptic message on social media shortly after the viewership reports broke: “I know my worth. And y’all will too. Just watch.”

The post garnered both praise and pushback — with fans divided over whether Reese should let her game speak louder than her tweets.

“She’s got talent,” a former WNBA coach said. “But right now, it feels like she’s more focused on proving a point than playing ball.”

With the regular season fast approaching, the pressure is mounting. If the low ratings continue, Reese may have to adjust her approach — or risk falling behind in the race for relevance.

League Executives Watching Closely

The WNBA is entering a pivotal moment in its history, thanks largely to the meteoric rise of stars like Caitlin Clark, who have expanded the league’s reach to new audiences.

But that success is a double-edged sword. Players who don’t bring similar numbers — in ticket sales, in ratings, in merchandise — may find themselves on the outside of the spotlight looking in.

“Everything’s being measured now,” said a league executive. “Every game, every appearance. Who’s driving interest and who’s not. Angel Reese still has time to prove herself, but these early signs are not encouraging.”

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Reese and the Sky

This isn’t just a bad night. It’s a warning shot.

For Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, the lowest preseason ratings in league history aren’t just embarrassing — they’re a clear signal that something isn’t connecting with fans.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark continues to dominate the narrative, the ratings, and the court. And unless Reese can find a way to close that gap, she risks being remembered more for what she said than what she did.

The season hasn’t even officially started — but for Angel Reese, the pressure is already sky-high.