Val Whiting, a former WNBA athlete, has justified the sale of Caitlin Clark’s merchandise over Angel Reese’s, arguing that Reese does not merit equal treatment.

Reese and Clark

Clark, selected as the top pick in the WNBA Draft, has commenced her professional journey with the Indiana Fever after transitioning from the NCAA’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

Acknowledging Candace Parker’s influential impact, Angel Reese, at 21 years old, embraces her role model status.

During her collegiate tenure, the 22-year-old shattered numerous records, including surpassing Kelsey Plum as the all-time leading scorer.

Joining the WNBA ranks alongside Clark, Angel Reese, a power forward, was drafted by the Chicago Sky as the seventh overall pick in the first round.

Despite being a rookie in 2024, Clark’s Indiana uniform is set to hit shelves at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores due to heightened demand from fans. Conversely, Reese’s jersey remains absent, despite her rising popularity.

Nevertheless, Whiting, who enjoyed a seven-year career with teams such as the Seattle Reign and Minnesota Lynx, contends that Reese does not warrant the same treatment as Clark, refuting any insinuation of racial bias influencing the decision.
“Angel Reese definitely would not deserve to have her gear in Dicks. I’d be upset about that too,” she wrote. “There are vets that are PROVEN out here. Don’t minimize every push-back to race. It’s juvenile and short sighted.”

Caitlin Clark praised for seismic impact

It is not only Whiting who believes Clark has had a transformative impact on the women’s game, with WNBA icon and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes hailing her incredible impact already.

“Caitlin Clark is probably the best shooter, especially in the college game, that I’ve ever seen. I’m not saying there haven’t been others, but that I’ve ever seen,” Swoopes said.

“She has absolutely taken the women’s game to a different level. She’ sbrought more eyes, people who never watched a single game of women’s basketball tuned in because they wanted to see who is this little girl from Iowa shooting these logo 3s.”