It was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie” and a breakout star of women’s college basketball, returned to Louisiana to play in front of her home crowd in a WNBA preseason game. The stage was set, the anticipation was high—but the seats were not filled.

Only 6,373 fans showed up to see Reese at the Smoothie King Center, which holds more than 13,000. That’s less than half capacity, despite Reese being one of the most followed and talked-about rookies in the league.

Compare that to Caitlin Clark, who played her preseason debut in front of a sold-out crowd of 14,998 fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa. Not only were all seats filled, but tickets resold for as much as $670—an astonishing price for a preseason event.

The difference in atmosphere between the two games was, as one analyst put it, “the difference between a concert and a quiet scrimmage.”

A Disappointing Scene for Reese

For Angel Reese, the night should have been a celebration. She returned to the same court where she once led LSU to a national championship and cemented herself as one of college basketball’s biggest names. But on this night, the buzz was gone. Entire sections sat empty. Even in the lower bowl, rows of purple seats outnumbered fans.

Tickets were as cheap as $15, yet the crowd barely filled the arena halfway. Despite massive promotion on social media, Reese’s millions of followers didn’t translate into a significant in-person presence.

A viral clip even showed the broadcast team struggling to find camera angles that didn’t expose the sparse crowd. From certain perspectives, it looked more like a private practice than a professional game.

The Clark Effect

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark’s debut was a full-blown event. Fans lined up for hours outside the arena, tailgating like it was an NFL playoff game. Parents brought daughters carrying signs that read, “Be Like Caitlin.” Inside, the energy was electric. The moment she stepped onto the court, the entire arena stood up, phones in the air, cheering like they were witnessing history.

And in many ways, they were.

Clark has become a transcendent figure, bringing unprecedented attention to women’s basketball. Her fan base is loyal, widespread, and most importantly—shows up. Many fans at the Iowa game had driven from out of state, and some families had planned the trip for weeks.

What Does This Mean for the WNBA?

This contrast between two of the league’s most high-profile rookies is raising tough questions.

Reese has been vocal about wanting to be recognized as a key figure in the rise of women’s basketball—not just riding the wave created by others. In past interviews, she emphasized:

“It’s not just about one person. People are watching because of me too.”

But the turnout in Louisiana suggests otherwise—at least for now.

While Reese remains a powerful brand and social media figure, this event revealed a critical challenge: translating online popularity into in-person engagement. As one commentator noted, “Millions of followers don’t mean much if they’re not buying tickets.”

On the other hand, Clark’s connection with fans appears to be deeper and more rooted in basketball itself. Her style of play, humility, and relatability have made her a beloved figure. She’s not just trending—she’s packing arenas.

The Market Has Spoken—For Now

The side-by-side comparison of these two games offers more than just a snapshot of preseason buzz. It points to a larger narrative unfolding within the WNBA and women’s sports: star power matters—but connection matters more.

In Reese’s case, the hype was there, the promotion was loud—but the seats were empty. In Clark’s case, the demand exceeded supply. Had the Iowa arena held 100,000 people, they might have sold every seat.

The contrast wasn’t just in numbers—it was in energy, emotion, and authenticity. One felt like a major sports moment. The other, like a missed opportunity.

As the season progresses, both players will have more chances to prove their value—not just to the media, but to the fans. But if this past week is any indication, Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing in the WNBA—she’s shaping its future.