The narrative of women’s basketball has long been defined by its rivalries, but the latest chapter written at USA Basketball’s December training camp suggests that the days of a “rivalry” between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese might be coming to an abrupt end. What was billed as a competitive training camp at Duke University quickly transformed into a coronation for one superstar and a rude awakening for another.

According to reports emerging from the camp, Caitlin Clark has not only secured a roster spot but has effectively been handed the keys to the kingdom. While the Indiana Fever sensation dazzled coaches with her leadership and playmaking, Angel Reese found herself in a position she is rarely associated with: the bench.

The “Starter” vs. The “Benched”

The headline emerging from Durham is as clear as it is controversial: Caitlin Clark is a starter, and Angel Reese is not. Head coach Kara Lawson and managing director Sue Bird, who have been meticulously tracking the development of the WNBA’s brightest young talents, reportedly saw enough in Clark’s first two professional seasons to make her the offensive centerpiece of the national team.

Clark arrived at camp with something to prove. After the heartbreak of being left off the 2024 Olympic roster—a decision that sparked a national firestorm—she used the snub as fuel. But unlike players who crumble under pressure, Clark evolved. Inside the gym, her chemistry with former college rival and current Fever teammate Aliyah Boston was described as “telepathic.” The pick-and-roll action between the two left defenders scrambling, providing a foundational system that USA Basketball plans to build around for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In stark contrast, Angel Reese reportedly struggled to adapt to the international style of play. The “Chi-Town Barbie,” known for her dominance on the glass in the college game and the WNBA, found that her skill set didn’t translate as seamlessly to the pace-and-space demands of the senior national team. Sources indicate that Reese was “relegated to the bench” during key scrimmages, a move that allegedly left her furious. But for those watching closely, the demotion wasn’t about politics; it was about basketball. Reese’s inability to create her own shot against elite international-level defenders and her struggles with spacing exposed limitations that the coaching staff simply could not ignore.

A History of Tension

Reese’s reported frustration at camp is the latest flashpoint in a relationship defined by tension. The video breakdown suggests that this “fury” is rooted in a long-standing pattern of envy. From the “unintentional” flagrant fouls committed during WNBA games to the viral “You can’t see me” taunts, Reese has seemingly defined much of her career in opposition to Clark.

The contrast in their off-court behavior was also noted. When Clark was named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, Reese took to social media to lament being “overlooked.” When Clark began making waves in the golf world during the offseason, Reese awkwardly claimed she could play golf too—a comment that many fans saw as a desperate attempt to stay in the conversation. This pattern of “one-upping” has reportedly worn thin with decision-makers who value composure and adaptability—traits Clark has displayed in abundance.

The Business of Winning

Perhaps the most brutal aspect of this separation is the financial reality. The Team USA camp highlighted a disparity that goes far beyond the court. Caitlin Clark is not just a point guard; she is a global business empire. Her $28 million deal with Nike—which includes a signature shoe and revenue sharing typically reserved for NBA icons—dwarfs Reese’s partnership with Reebok.

The market has spoken, and it speaks the language of Caitlin Clark. While Clark’s signature logo launch took over Times Square and her merchandise sells out in seconds (often hitting triple the price on resale markets), Reese’s business ventures have faced embarrassing hurdles. Reports surfaced that Reese’s Reebok shoe launch event, held boldly in Indianapolis (Clark’s territory), was a “disaster” with low attendance. It was a stark reminder that while Reese has fame, Clark has a fanbase that moves markets.

Corporate America has taken notice. Clark commands six-figure speaking fees and attracts audiences that have never watched a WNBA game before. Her presence on the Team USA roster isn’t just a basketball decision; it’s a massive injection of value into the program’s brand. Reese, for all her talent, simply does not move the needle in the same way.

The Verdict

The December camp was supposed to level the playing field, giving every young star a fresh slate. Instead, it widened the gap. Caitlin Clark walked into Duke University and proved she is the “floor general” the program needs—a player who makes everyone around her better, from Kelsey Mitchell to Aliyah Boston. Angel Reese walked in and found that the “stat-stuffing” style that made her famous wasn’t enough to guarantee a spot at the table of elites.

For Angel Reese, being “benched” is a career crossroads. The narrative of the “rivalry” is fading, replaced by the reality of a hierarchy. Caitlin Clark is the present and future of USA Basketball. Angel Reese is now fighting to ensure she isn’t just a part of its past.

As the team looks toward 2026, the message from the coaching staff is loud and clear: Excellence wins. Drama sits. And right now, Caitlin Clark is the only one standing at center court.