Selling Caitlin Clark’s merchandise in sporting goods stores rather than Angel Reese, as former WNBA player Val Whiting has defended, saying she would not “deserve” to be treated the same.
Stepping up from the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark, the top pick in the WNBA Draft, has signed with the Indiana Fever to launch her professional career.
During her four years in the college program, the 22-year-old broke multiple records, including beating Kelsey Plum’s record for most points scored.
After being selected by the Chicago Sky as the seventh overall pick in the first round, Angel Reese, a power forward who is 21 years old, will join her in the WNBA.
Despite being a rookie in 2024, Clark’s Indiana uniform will be sold in Dick’s Sporting Goods stores. This is an unusual move, but fans wishing to wear her jersey seem to be more motivated by her reputation. Nevertheless, despite Reese’s rising fame, her jersey is nowhere to be seen.
Whiting, who spent seven years as a player for the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Reign, disagrees that Reese should be treated the same way as Clark and denies that the choice would be made on the basis of race.
“There is no doubt that Angel Reese would not deserve to have her gear in Dicks. That would also make me angry,” she wrote. “There are PROVEN vets in this area. Do not downplay any opposition to race. It is naive and narrow-minded.”
Praise for Caitlin Clark’s seismic impact
Whiting is not the only person who thinks Clark has revolutionized the women’s game; Sheryl Swoopes, a WNBA legend and Hall of Famer, has already praised Clark for her amazing influence.
