Michelle Obama recently weighed in on the growing rivalry between WNBA players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese during a discussion on the podcast “All the Smoke with Matt Burns and Stephen Jackson.” She highlighted how the drama surrounding these athletes could shape the WNBA’s popularity and players’ well-being, referring to the negativity that often comes with it.
“Social media is a big player here,” Obama remarked. “It really affects the experiences of these young athletes. It’s like, they can’t escape it. The hatred, it’s all around them. They live with it—in their rooms, on their phones—constantly. And it’s a challenge because, you know, those kids have to make a living this way,” she added.
This rivalry rekindled when Clark’s Indiana Fever played against Reese’s Chicago Sky earlier this season, with Clark’s team winning 93-58. After the match, there were accusations of a foul against Clark that sparked controversy. The WNBA announced it would investigate some comments aimed at Reese, which were described as “racist,” but they were unable to substantiate the claims.
Since that game on May 17, both players have been dealing with injuries and haven’t faced each other again.
In related remarks, Obama had earlier made a comparison between the drama in sports broadcasts and reality television, suggesting that watching ESPN can feel akin to tuning into shows like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” “There’s just as much drama, the shouting, the conflicts,” she noted. It’s intriguing—this perspective hints at how entertainment and sports can intertwine in unexpected ways.
