In a statement that has rocked the sports world, WNBA veteran Brittney Griner dropped a bombshell on April 9, 2025, claiming that Angel Reese will not only shatter every record set by Caitlin Clark but will also lead the WNBA to surpass the NFL in popularity—without Clark’s help. Griner’s provocative words have sparked a fierce media war, deeply hurt Clark, and divided fans into two passionate camps, raising questions about the future of women’s basketball and the dynamics between its brightest stars.

Griner, a towering figure in the WNBA both on and off the court, made her comments during a post-game press conference after a thrilling match. “Angel Reese is the future,” Griner declared. “She’s going to break every record Caitlin Clark has set, and mark my words, the WNBA will be bigger than the NFL in five years because of her—not Clark. We don’t need Caitlin to make that happen.” The statement, delivered with unwavering confidence, sent shockwaves through the basketball community, as it not only elevated Reese but appeared to dismiss Clark’s monumental contributions to the league.

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s breakout star and a cultural phenomenon since her rookie season, was reportedly devastated by Griner’s remarks. Sources close to Clark say she felt “blindsided and betrayed,” especially given her role in skyrocketing the WNBA’s visibility. Clark’s record-breaking performances, including her scoring titles and unprecedented fan engagement, have been credited with bringing millions of new viewers to the league. Her influence has been undeniable, with sold-out arenas and a surge in merchandise sales often attributed to her star power. To hear a WNBA legend like Griner dismiss her so publicly was a bitter pill to swallow.

A Media War Erupts

Griner’s comments ignited an immediate firestorm on social media, with fans splitting into two factions: #TeamReese and #TeamClark. Supporters of Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s dynamic forward, celebrated Griner’s prediction, pointing to Reese’s relentless work ethic, defensive prowess, and growing offensive game. “Angel is a beast on both ends of the court,” one fan tweeted. “She’s already outrebounding Clark—Griner’s right, she’ll break every record!” Reese herself added fuel to the fire by posting a cryptic Instagram story with the caption, “Records are meant to be broken. Watch me.”

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s fans launched a fierce counterattack, accusing Griner of jealousy and undermining Clark’s legacy. “Caitlin brought the WNBA to new heights—Griner’s just bitter she couldn’t do it herself,” one viral post read. Clark’s supporters highlighted her statistical dominance, including her record for most points scored in a rookie season, and her role in securing major sponsorship deals for the league. The hashtag #JusticeForCaitlin trended worldwide, with some fans even calling for Griner to be fined by the WNBA for her “divisive” comments.

Clark, known for her competitive fire, didn’t stay silent for long. In a tearful yet defiant interview, she addressed Griner’s remarks head-on. “I’ve given everything to this league, and to hear someone I looked up to say I’m not needed—it hurts,” Clark said. “But I’m not going anywhere. I’ll let my game do the talking.” True to her word, Clark dropped a career-high 55 points in her next game, a not-so-subtle message to her detractors. The performance only intensified the debate, with analysts questioning whether Clark’s emotional response would fuel her to even greater heights—or crack under the pressure.

The WNBA-NFL Debate

Griner’s claim that the WNBA will surpass the NFL in five years, driven by Angel Reese, has also drawn skepticism. The NFL, with its $20 billion annual revenue and massive cultural footprint, has long been the gold standard in American sports. The WNBA, while growing rapidly—thanks in part to stars like Clark and Reese—still lags far behind, with revenues around $200 million. Griner’s prediction hinges on Reese’s potential to become a global icon, but critics argue that Clark’s existing fanbase and marketability are indispensable to the league’s growth. “Dismissing Caitlin is reckless,” one sports commentator noted. “She’s the face of the WNBA right now—Reese is great, but she’s not there yet.”

A Divided Future for the WNBA

The fallout from Griner’s statement has exposed deeper tensions within the WNBA. Some see the Clark-Reese rivalry as a boon, driving unprecedented attention to the league. Others worry it could fracture the unity needed to achieve Griner’s lofty goal of surpassing the NFL. Reese, for her part, has remained focused on her game, recently posting a double-double while avoiding direct comments on the controversy. But the pressure is on: if she fails to live up to Griner’s prediction, the backlash could be severe.

As the WNBA navigates this turbulent moment, one thing is clear: Brittney Griner’s words have set the stage for a defining chapter in the league’s history. Will Angel Reese rise to the occasion and eclipse Caitlin Clark, leading the WNBA to new heights? Or will Clark prove her doubters wrong, cementing her legacy as the league’s cornerstone? The battle lines are drawn, and the world is watching.