Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese begin to shake WNBA foundations with their fame

The league is set to usher in a new era

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

Although Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were only recently taken in the WNBA Draft, it appears the duo are ready to change the league at its core.

That’s because the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire, with Clark recently making note of that at a recent press conference.

Caitlin Clark turns photographer during her Fever pregame warm-ups

“I think the CBA’s up for negotiation after this season. We can opt out of it. And certainly the new media rights deal will have a big update on that too,” Clark stated at an Indiana Fever press event, which came after onlookers filmed her at an airport before a commercial flight.

Just this past week the WNBA announced that all teams will be flying charter this season after years of players travelling by commercial flights.

WNBA players pushing for change

While flights have long been an issue in the league, they aren’t the only one. In the past, players have been forced to play overseas to supplement their income.

That issue was put into the limelight when Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for months after a vape cartridge was found in her luggage while at an airport.

However, with stars like Reese and Clark, who is expected to drive millions of dollars in revenue to the league, change could be coming. As it stands, Clark is only set to earn $76,000 in salary.

Reese recently spoke at the Chicago Sky media day, and she spoke about how the league is heading in the right direction.

“Games are going to be packed,” Reese said as per ESPN.

“Standing-room only sometimes. We might get those. They just told us when I go back home to Washington, we’re playing where the Wizards play. So the change is happening and it’s not going to stop here. We’re in a great direction with the charter flights. Being able to have that, that’s a step in the right direction.

“The [collective bargaining agreement] stuff is about to happen within the next year, too, so just understanding the gravitation we have, everything is in our hands right now to control.”

Franchise values increasing

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Just five years ago, the New York Liberty were sold for $10-14 million to Joe and Clara Tsai. However, last year Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber paid $50 million for a new team in the Bay Area.

Now, reports are stating that Toronto will have an expansion team in 2026, while Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has shown interest in bringing back the Houston Comets.

Angel Reese proven right as rookie inspires Chicago Sky to 48-point win against New York Liberty

Angel Reese wasted no time transitioning from the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala back to the hardwood, helping the Chicago Sky dismantle the New York Liberty – a formidable opponent that reached the finals last season.

Under the guidance of coach Teresa Weatherspoon, the Sky exhibited a relentless offensive onslaught, initiating the game with a commanding 13-0 lead before winning 101-51. While Reese wasn’t the primary focus of the Sky’s offensive strategy, her unparalleled tenacity shone through, as she provided 13 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist.

Demonstrating her hustle on the court, Reese secured her spot on the scoresheet by capitalizing on opportunities near the basket, often contending against the formidable defense of former league MVP Jonquel Jones. With a display of strength, balance, and aggression, Reese contributed significantly to the Sky’s dominance, propelling them to a commanding 20-point lead by halftime.

A standout moment unfolded in the third quarter of the game when Reese received the ball on the low block, confidently scoring over Jones and celebrating the accomplishment. Following this play, she swiftly secured a steal on the subsequent possession and delivered an outlet pass for an easy layup on the other end, extending their lead to 65-36. This sequence of events ignited optimism among Sky fans for the upcoming season.

Just a day before the big win, Reese fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending the Met Gala and basking in her newfound superstardom. The star-studded affair placed Reese alongside Hollywood’s elite, with luminaries like Kim Kardashian, Lewis Hamilton, Zendaya, and others gracing the red carpet.

Reese impressed the media in attendance in a blue sheer 16Arlington gown. Reflecting on her attendance, she revealed that walking the Met Gala’s red carpet was a dream, just like playing in the WNBA. “I’m just excited to see everyone’s outfit. Everyone looks amazing here. I’ve always dreamed of this moment, so being here on my 22nd birthday is amazing,” said Reese. But her attendance also drew scrutiny from her detractors online.

Reese scored 13 against the Liberty© WNBA

Amidst the Sky’s training camp and preseason, Reese’s decision to attend the Met Gala was not taken lightly. She immediately addressed any concerns, asserting her commitment to maximizing every moment of the day on and off the court on X.

Images soon surfaced of Reese commemorating her 22nd birthday during team practice earlier that day, effectively debunking doubts about her dedication. In response to her appearance at the star-studded affair, Reese emphasized the intersection between the WNBA and fashion. “A lot of us got drip,” said Reese. “We can dress; we have fashion on and off the court. We love to look good, a lot of us in the league.

“A lot of these women have deserved this [new level of fame] before, and I’ve watched players like Lisa Leslie. That’s somebody I’ve always looked at where she always had her hair done and lips on. I’ve always embodied that, so just being able to continue that and allow that to grow is really cool.”

She highlighted how the league prioritizes fashion, particularly in pre-game rituals where outfits take center stage. With media and fellow players closely observing the pre-game tunnel, Reese’s presence at the Met Gala was a testament to the WNBA’s growing influence in fashion and entertainment.

The Sky’s preseason journey has been a mix of outcomes, starting with a loss to the Minnesota Lynx in their first matchup of the year. The victory against New York brought their preseason record to an even 1-1. Chicago will gear up for their first regular-season game on May 15 against the Dallas Wings in an away game.