WNBA fans fume as Angel Reese beats Caitlin Clark to prestigious honor

WNBA fans were left stunned after Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese was revealed as one of the cover stars for NBA 2K26 — a major honor in the basketball world.

Reese joins Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony as the faces of the next installment of the popular video game franchise.

Angel’s Reaction: “It’s More Than a Milestone — It’s a Statement”

Speaking on her selection, Reese told NBA 2K:

“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone — it’s a statement.
It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.
To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also the veteran WNBA players who paved the way and the growing impact of the league as a whole.”

But while Reese celebrated the moment, social media quickly became divided.

Fans React: “It Should’ve Been Caitlin Clark”

Some fans were thrilled by Reese’s historic moment, but others took to social media to express disappointment — with many believing Caitlin Clark should have been the one on the cover.

“Should have been Caitlin Clark,” one fan wrote.
“Over CC? Something smells fishy,” another commented.
“Reese over Clark is just another example of how 2K has fallen,” said a third.
One fan even brought stats into the debate:
“Napheesa Collier is having an MVP season, but sure, give it to someone who shoots under 42% and leads the league in turnovers.”

Reese’s Performance Still Speaks Volumes

Despite the criticism, Reese is having a strong rookie season. She’s currently averaging 13.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and recently made WNBA history as the first player ever to record 15+ rebounds in five straight games.

She was also named to the All-Rookie First Team and earned a spot in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game — though she won’t be playing for Team Clark.

The Ongoing Reese–Clark Rivalry

Reese and Clark have been rivals since their college days and were both drafted into the WNBA last year, where their competitive fire has continued to burn.

Despite Reese’s impressive rookie season, it was Clark who took home the Rookie of the Year title. Their rivalry flared up again during the 2025 WNBA All-Star selection, when Clark, named as one of the game’s captains, notably did not select Reese. Instead, Reese will play on Napheesa Collier’s team.

The May Clash That Reignited the Feud

Tensions escalated earlier in the season during a heated matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky. With 4:38 left in the third quarter, after Reese grabbed an offensive rebound, Clark slapped her across the arm — knocking the ball (and Reese) to the floor.

Reese quickly jumped up and confronted Clark as Fever center Aliyah Boston stepped in between the two. The referees reviewed the play and upgraded Clark’s foul to a flagrant, issuing double technicals to Reese and Boston. It was Clark’s third personal foul of the game.

A Cover That Sparked a Conversation

While Angel Reese’s selection as a NBA 2K26 cover star is a massive win for her brand and the WNBA as a whole, the decision has stirred up passionate debate among fans.

Whether you side with Team Reese or Team Clark, one thing’s for sure:
This rivalry is only just getting started — and the league is more exciting because of it.