Fans of Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson Erupt After Forbes Names Caitlin Clark One of the “Most Powerful Women in Sports”

Forbes’ newest ranking of the world’s most powerful women in sports has ignited a firestorm across the WNBA fanbase — and the loudest backlash is coming from supporters of Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson, who believe the list blatantly sidelines Black stars in favor of Caitlin Clark.

Clark, whose rookie season transformed the economics of women’s basketball, placed No. 4 overall on the Forbes list, making her the highest-ranked athlete of any sport. Forbes estimated her total earnings last season at $8.1 million, combining her WNBA salary with endorsements, appearances, and licensing deals — despite the fact that she played just 13 games due to injuries that ended her 2025 season mid-summer.

The top three spots went to Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, FanDuel CEO Amy Howe, and Nike brand president Amy Montagne. WNBA legends Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart tied at No. 9, Serena Williams landed at No. 11, Coco Gauff at No. 13, and A’ja Wilson — fresh off one of the greatest seasons in league history — was listed at No. 15.

For many fans, that placement was the breaking point.

Within hours, social media exploded with accusations that the list overlooked or undervalued Black women in sports. Supporters of Reese and Wilson argued that Clark’s rapid rise — both financially and culturally — has been elevated in ways that players like Reese, Wilson, and Gauff have not been.

One viral comment captured the sentiment bluntly: “No naming of A’ja Wilson who won everything this year. Oh my bad, I forgot she doesn’t qualify because she’s Black.”

Others questioned how Clark outranked titans like Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, or Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

“How is she more powerful than Jeanie Buss, Coco Gauff, Serena or even Venus?” one fan wrote. “I could go on and on.”

Fans of Angel Reese were especially outraged that she failed to make the Top 25 altogether, despite her massive cultural reach. Reese, who has become one of the most recognizable athletes of Gen Z, has brand deals with Mercedes-Benz, McDonald’s, Amazon, Airbnb, Beats by Dre, Panini, and is the face of Reebok with her own signature shoe on the way. She also made headlines as the first athlete ever to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway.

Yet none of that put her on Forbes’ list.

Critics argued that the ranking favored executive influence, ownership power, and corporate leadership more than cultural impact — categories where Clark’s momentum, buoyed by Nike and major sponsors, aligned more neatly with Forbes’ methodology. But for Reese’s fans, the explanation didn’t land.

“How does a player with nearly 3 million followers, a fashion empire, and a global presence not qualify?” one commenter asked. “Make it make sense.”

Clark’s defenders countered just as forcefully. Many pointed out that her arrival in 2024 drove the largest spike in WNBA attendance and merchandise sales in league history. One fan summed up the pro-Clark argument in a single sentence: “Didn’t play much this season and still raked all that in. That’s power.”

Others emphasized her influence beyond the court — including ratings boosts, cross-sport partnerships, and an upcoming Nike signature shoe deal reportedly worth $28 million.

“Caitlin Clark’s impact on women’s sports is undeniable,” another fan wrote. “She changed the game.”

But the backlash didn’t stop there. Some fans also turned their frustration toward WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, echoing Napheesa Collier’s recent criticism that the league isn’t doing enough to protect or promote Clark — whose injury-shortened season saw a drop in viewership for the games she missed.

“Cathy has no idea what kind of superstar she has,” one viral comment read. “Golden ticket right there.”

Meanwhile, the Fever’s surprising run to the WNBA Finals — with Clark injured on the sidelines — only fueled more debate. Supporters insisted it showcased both her influence and the league’s failure to capitalize on her star power.

Reese supporters countered by pointing out that she, too, carried significant cultural weight this season — and Forbes still left her off entirely.

As the WNBA awaits clarity on the stalled CBA negotiations and the threat of a 2026 strike looms, the divide between fanbases appears to be growing sharper. Clark’s popularity is still skyrocketing. Reese continues to dominate fashion, branding, and culture. And A’ja Wilson just delivered one of the greatest individual seasons ever recorded.

But when it comes to who holds the most “power,” Forbes has made its choice — and fans on both sides are far from done arguing about it.