Angel Reese reportedly reacts behind the scenes after seeing Dave Portnoy back Caitlin Clark so fiercely.

The WNBA’s burgeoning rivalry between Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has been captivating basketball fans throughout the 2025 season. Both players, heralded as the future faces of the league, have attracted intense media attention and fanfare. Recently, a new dimension was added to this developing narrative when Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy publicly threw his support behind Caitlin Clark with notable fervor — a move that reportedly caught Angel Reese’s attention and elicited a strong behind-the-scenes reaction.

This article delves into the details surrounding Portnoy’s public endorsement of Clark, the nature of Reese’s response away from the public eye, and what this might mean for the ongoing dynamic between these two rising stars.

The Context: Dave Portnoy’s Fierce Support for Caitlin Clark

Dave Portnoy, known for his outspoken and often provocative commentary, recently made headlines when he delivered an emphatic message backing Caitlin Clark. After publicly calling Clark out with a stern warning ahead of a crucial Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky game, Portnoy followed up by praising her resilience, talent, and leadership.

His initial tweet had sparked a wave of reactions, but the follow-up cemented his support:

“Caitlin Clark is a champion mindset. She’s not just the face of the Fever — she’s a face of the entire WNBA. I’m here for it.”

This kind of high-profile endorsement from a media personality with a large following has the potential to influence public perception significantly. Portnoy’s vocal backing has undeniably shifted some of the narrative momentum towards Clark.

Angel Reese’s Position in the Spotlight

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s dominant forward and a former NCAA standout herself, has also been carving out a space as one of the league’s most compelling young talents. Known for her physicality, energy, and competitive fire, Reese represents a contrasting style to Clark’s finesse and sharpshooting.

Their rivalry—both on the court and in the media—has been a focal point this season, often symbolizing the new generation of WNBA stars stepping into the limelight. Reese, too, has her share of media attention and fan adoration, making the competition between the two players one of the league’s hottest storylines.

Behind the Scenes: Reese’s Reaction to Portnoy’s Backing of Clark

According to insiders close to the Chicago Sky organization, Angel Reese was keenly aware of Dave Portnoy’s public statements supporting Caitlin Clark. Sources reveal that Reese was initially surprised by the intensity of Portnoy’s allegiance to Clark, especially given Portnoy’s tendency to stir controversy and create polarizing narratives.

Reese reportedly took the news in stride but was motivated rather than discouraged. Behind closed doors, she is said to have discussed the endorsement with teammates and coaches, using it as fuel to elevate her own game and mental preparation.

A Sky staff member commented:

“Angel is a competitor first and foremost. Hearing that kind of public support for Caitlin only fired her up. She sees it as a challenge—one that she’s eager to meet head-on.”

This reaction fits Reese’s known mindset of embracing challenges and responding to pressure with determination.

The Impact on the Rivalry and Team Dynamics

The renewed media spotlight, fueled by Portnoy’s backing of Clark and Reese’s private response, has added layers to their on-court rivalry. Both players are now even more aware of the broader narrative surrounding their matchups and what’s at stake beyond just team wins and losses.

From a team perspective, both the Fever and Sky have rallied around their stars. Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides praised Clark’s mental toughness, while Chicago Sky head coach praised Reese’s leadership and tenacity. The added media attention has heightened expectations for both players to deliver standout performances when they face each other.

Fans and Social Media: Divided Loyalties

The online basketball community quickly took notice of this developing saga. Fans are split between staunch supporters of Caitlin Clark and passionate advocates for Angel Reese. Portnoy’s backing of Clark intensified this divide, with social media buzzing about the competition not just as a sports rivalry but as a cultural moment for the WNBA.

Clark’s supporters celebrate Portnoy’s endorsement as a sign that women’s basketball is gaining mainstream recognition. Meanwhile, Reese’s fans emphasize her grit and toughness, praising how she channels criticism into motivation.

The Players’ Professionalism and Focus

Despite the swirling media narratives, both Clark and Reese have emphasized professionalism and focus in public statements. Neither player has directly commented on Portnoy’s tweets or the behind-the-scenes reactions, choosing instead to concentrate on their on-court performances.

Clark, in a recent interview, said:

“I’m here to work, to improve, and to help my team win. Everything else is noise.”

Similarly, Reese maintains:

“I respect Caitlin as a competitor. We both want to be the best, and that means pushing each other to higher levels.”

Their diplomatic and measured public approach suggests maturity and a shared understanding of the importance of keeping the rivalry healthy and respectful.

What This Means for the WNBA

The public drama and behind-the-scenes reactions illustrate how much attention the WNBA and its young stars are attracting in 2025. With athletes like Clark and Reese becoming household names, the league is experiencing increased visibility and engagement, benefiting from passionate media figures like Portnoy who are willing to spotlight women’s basketball.

This kind of spotlight, while occasionally intense, is a sign of growth and opportunity for the WNBA. It challenges players to develop not only their athletic skills but also their capacity to handle public scrutiny and media narratives.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter in the Clark-Reese Rivalry

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic between Clark and Reese continues to evolve. Portnoy’s vocal support for Clark has certainly added fuel to the fire, but Angel Reese’s behind-the-scenes response underscores that the competition is far from one-sided.

Their rivalry represents more than just two players competing — it symbolizes a new era in the WNBA where young stars are shaping the future of the league, engaging fans on and off the court, and navigating the complexities of fame in the digital age.

Conclusion

Dave Portnoy’s fierce backing of Caitlin Clark sent ripples through the WNBA community, prompting Angel Reese to respond with renewed focus and motivation behind the scenes. This interplay of public endorsement and private reaction enriches the ongoing narrative of one of women’s basketball’s most exciting rivalries.

As both Clark and Reese continue to grow as athletes and leaders, their story serves as a compelling reminder of how media attention, competition, and personal resilience intersect in modern professional sports. Fans can expect more intense battles on the court and a rivalry that will define the WNBA landscape for years to come.