Barely half a month ago, Caitlin Clark went viral for smiling at Angel Reese while walking to the bench ahead of overtime. Just moments ago, Reese had missed a potential game-winning layup, so Clark’s similar look at Reese as the Dream star had her back turned toward CC became an instant meme. It was the latest chapter in the rivalry that has captivated fans since the two WNBA stars were playing collegiate basketball. However, a clip from March 17, 2026 showed that the rivalry that highlights their every encounter isn’t bigger when it comes to playing for the Stars and Stripes.
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Clark and Reese fans saw a glimpse of what the pair could achieve during the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualification tournament back in March, when Clark and Reese geared up for Team USA against Spain. The clip from TNT Sports on X showed Clark passing to Reese as she scores a layup before the pair hit a reluctant high-five. Naturally, fans who have seen these stars perform as rivals had a lot to say.
“The chemistry is giving bestie energy, and everyone noticed.” Clark and Reese’s on-court chemistry has been the main topic of discussion among fans, and this fan took it up a notch by saying the duo gives off best-friends energy after Clark and Reese’s friendly dap following Reese’s successful layup. This is a stark difference from what we have witnessed during their games against each other in the WNBA.
However, as Team USA prepares to kickastart group stage campaign on September 4 against China the Clark and Reese chemistiry on the court will play a crucial role in helping the defending world champions compete to win their fifth consectuive FIBA Women’s World Cup title.
Another comment had the exact opposite reaction to the video, suggesting, “They hate each other you can tell.” This reaction probably stems from Clark and Reese’s viral altercations during games, notably the 2023 NCAA championship game, when Reese taunted Clark with the “You Can’t See Me”, a popular gesture of legendary wrestler John Cena. It was the start of what would be a long-running rivalry between the two that started in college, lasted when Reese beat Clark to the 2023 NCAA Championship with the LSU Tigers, and continues today in the WNBA.
“You know what’s crazy. It’s just social media losers splitting them. They probably like each other and laugh about it.” One user put the fans in the spotlight, believing that the rivalry between Clark and Reese has brewed from their respective fandoms rather than from any serious cracks in their relationship. “People on the internet make them rivals much more than they actually do.” Another netizen reiterated this feeling.
“They ain’t friends; they are legit USA teammates, and that’s ok! They don’t need to be friends they just need to bring us gold.” Meanwhile, one fan had no interest in Clark and Reese’s supposed friendship and just wants the duo to help Team USA win the World Cup. Considering Team USA has won the last nine out of twelve competitions, they are the favorites.
“Berlin might unlock another level.” In the midst of Clark and Reese’s relationship discussion, one fan was more excited about the basketball that the two will potentially produce in Germany. And it makes sense, as Clark is on an MVP-caliber season while Reese seemingly breaks rebounding records every week.
With two-time World Cup winners A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum exiting the roster, Clark and Reese’s role under Lawson will now only increase. While it remains to be seen how the rivals’ relationship will be affected throughout the tournament, Clark and Reese are now the new leaders of Team USA and its hopes to clinch gold once again.