Viewership of the WNBA is driven by a variety of factors, according to Angel Reese

Right now, one of the biggest stories in basketball isn’t the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. It’s the drama surrounding two WNBA rookies — Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

In an interview with WGN Sports on Monday, Chicago Sky’s Reese spoke about the aggressive play Clark has been experiencing in the league, especially after Sky teammate Chennedy Carter retroactively received a Flagrant 1 foul for appearing to hip-check Clark to the ground in Saturday’s matchup.

“It’s just competition. I feel like that fuels our fire… we go off of energy and we are super competitive every single day,” Reese said.

Additionally, the LSU alum talked about the recent surge of women’s basketball, saying that Clark’s star power isn’t the only reason more people have their eyes on the sport.

“People are talking about women’s basketball that you never would think would be talking about women’s basketball. People are coming to games. We got celebrities coming to games. Sold out arenas…” Reese said. “The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that.”

“I’ll take the bad guy role,” Reese added.

The longstanding rivalry between Clark and Reese — which dates back to their time in college — was reignited on Saturday when Reese seemed to celebrate the foul on her fellow rookie. After the game, she was fined $1,000 for not making herself available to media.

In 11 games for the Fever, Clark is averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. In seven games for the Sky, Reese is averaging 10.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals.

Clark was named the WNBA’s rookie of the month for May on Monday.

Angel Reese, a sports marketing expert, has identified several key factors that drive viewership of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). These factors include the quality of play, the personalities of the players, the marketing and promotion of the league, and societal attitudes towards women’s sports.

One of the main factors driving viewership of the WNBA is the quality of play. The league features some of the best female basketball players in the world, who showcase their skills and athleticism on the court. Fans are drawn to the fast-paced, competitive nature of the games, as well as the high level of talent on display.

Another important factor is the personalities of the players. Many WNBA players are not only talented athletes, but also charismatic and engaging individuals who connect with fans on and off the court. Players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Breanna Stewart have become household names, attracting fans with their skill, passion, and personality.

The marketing and promotion of the league also play a significant role in driving viewership. The WNBA has made efforts to increase its visibility and reach a wider audience through partnerships with major brands, social media campaigns, and promotional events. These efforts have helped to raise awareness of the league and attract new fans.

Finally, societal attitudes towards women’s sports have a major impact on viewership of the WNBA. As women’s sports have gained more recognition and respect in recent years, interest in the WNBA has grown. Fans are increasingly recognizing the talent and athleticism of female athletes, and are eager to support and celebrate their achievements on the court.

Overall, a combination of factors including the quality of play, the personalities of the players, marketing efforts, and changing societal attitudes all contribute to driving viewership of the WNBA. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that these factors will continue to play a key role in attracting fans and expanding its audience.