In the WNBA Rookie Rankings provided by CBS Sports, Angel Reese surpasses Caitlin Clark.
The 2023 WNBA season has been nothing short of revolutionary, largely thanks to the arrival of former Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark and the talented rookie class she leads. This influx of new talent has ignited a surge in viewer interest, propelling the league to record TV ratings. According to league reports, the average audience for WNBA games in 2023 on networks such as ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION, and NBA TV was 462,000 viewers. However, this figure has skyrocketed nearly threefold in the first month of the 2024 season, averaging an impressive 1.32 million viewers.
The dynamic matchups between Clark and fellow rookie Angel Reese have been particularly magnetic, drawing substantial viewership. Their recent contests have become some of the most-watched WNBA games since the Memorial Day 2001 clash between the Los Angeles Sparks and Houston Comets, which attracted 2.44 million viewers. For instance, the Indiana Fever’s 91-83 victory over the Chicago Sky on June 16 garnered 2.25 million viewers on CBS. Just a week later, the Sky’s thrilling 88-87 comeback win over the Fever captivated 2.30 million viewers on ESPN.
Clark and Reese have consistently delivered electrifying performances, fueling their teams’ burgeoning rivalry and captivating audiences. In their latest encounter, Clark made history by becoming the first rookie to score 15 or more points, provide 10 or more assists, and hit five or more 3-pointers in a single WNBA game. She also set a new single-game franchise record for assists with 13. Reese, meanwhile, notched a career-high 25 points and 16 rebounds, extending her WNBA rookie record with her eighth consecutive double-double. Her clutch performance in the game’s final minutes, including a go-ahead basket with just 53.2 seconds remaining, showcased her burgeoning star power.
Such standout performances have positioned Clark and Reese prominently in WNBA Rookie Rankings. CBS Sports’ Isabel Gonzalez recently ranked Reese at the top of her latest WNBA Rookie Rankings, dethroning Clark from the number one spot. Reese’s dominance on the boards and improved scoring efficiency have been pivotal to her rise.
She currently ranks second in the league with 11.1 rebounds per game and is on the cusp of tying Candace Parker’s single-season double-double streak record from 2015. Reese credits Atlanta Dream center Tina Charles for her recent scoring improvements, having taken Charles’ advice to be more patient around the basket.
Clark, while no longer at the top of Gonzalez’s rankings, remains a formidable contender. Averaging 16.3 points per game, she has also excelled in playmaking, with her 6.6 assists per game ranking fourth in the WNBA. Her shooting prowess is evident with 51 3-pointers so far this season, just one behind league leaders Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride.
Beyond Clark and Reese, Gonzalez’s top five WNBA rookies include the Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso at number three, the Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson at four, and the Dallas Wings’ Jacy Sheldon rounding out the top five.
As the season progresses, the competition for the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award is shaping up to be a thrilling two-player race between Clark and Reese. Their remarkable performances not only enhance their individual accolades but also significantly elevate the visibility and excitement surrounding the WNBA, heralding a new era for the league.