Caitlin Clark firmly stated that she and fellow basketball star Angel Reese have always been friends, pushing back against a reporter's attempt to frame their relationship as one of rivalry following the U.S. women's basketball team's FIBA World Cup victory. The U.S. secured a 97-79 win over France in the final on Sunday.
As Clark fielded questions post-game with her gold medal, a reporter asked if she and Reese were now friends. "We've always been friends. Don't try to do that," Clark responded multiple times before ending the exchange.
Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, and Reese, the seventh pick, gained significant attention for their on-court matchups during their college careers. Their rivalry intensified when Reese and LSU defeated Clark's Iowa team in the 2023 national championship game. During that game, Reese notably used the "you can't see me" gesture in front of Clark.
Clark and the Hawkeyes later avenged that loss in the Elite Eight of the next NCAA tournament, advancing to the Final Four. Clark has previously spoken about their relationship, stating they are not best friends but have no animosity, and defended Reese against backlash for the gesture. The narrative of their supposed animosity continued into their professional careers, despite both players asserting that their on-court competitiveness is not personal.
Clark and Reese garnered positive attention for their apparent chemistry on the court during the FIBA World Cup tournament. The U.S. team overcame an early 14-point deficit against France to win their fifth consecutive World Cup title. Captain Breanna Stewart led the team with 22 points and 10 rebounds, earning World Cup MVP honors.