Angel Reese Humbled as LSU Return Falls Flat Despite Dirt-Cheap Tickets for Chicago Sky Preseason Game

In a moment that was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming, Angel Reese’s return to her alma mater, LSU, as a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky, turned into an unexpected reality check. Despite the nostalgic anticipation and ticket prices as low as $11, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center sat noticeably half-empty during the Chicago Sky’s preseason showdown against the Brazilian national team. For a player who has confidently proclaimed herself a major draw in women’s basketball, the sparse attendance raised eyebrows and reignited debates about star power, marketability, and the ever-evolving landscape of women’s sports.

A Homecoming That Missed the Mark

Angel Reese’s college years at LSU were nothing short of legendary. The arena, which can hold over 13,000 fans, routinely vibrated with energy as she led the Tigers to a national championship. LSU fans donned purple and gold, filling every seat and creating an atmosphere that was both electric and intimidating for opponents. So, when Reese returned as a WNBA rookie with the Chicago Sky, expectations were sky-high. This was supposed to be a celebration—a reunion of a hometown hero and her loyal fanbase, a night of packed stands and thunderous applause.

Instead, only 6,373 fans showed up, leaving more than 6,800 seats empty. The cameras couldn’t hide the reality: entire sections of the arena were vacant, a stark contrast to the sold-out games of Reese’s collegiate heyday. Given that tickets were available for less than the price of a movie ticket, the turnout was even more surprising. Social media quickly caught wind of the situation, with users posting photos and videos of empty stands, questioning whether Reese’s drawing power was more hype than reality.

The Gap Between Perception and Reality

Angel Reese has never shied away from the spotlight. She’s been vocal about her role in elevating women’s basketball, famously positioning herself alongside Caitlin Clark as a reason fans tune in. Reese’s claim that “people watch for me too” reverberated through sports media, setting high expectations for her professional debut in Baton Rouge. But the numbers at her homecoming didn’t support the narrative.

Critics and commentators didn’t miss the irony. If Reese is truly a generational superstar and a primary reason for the surge in women’s basketball viewership, why couldn’t she fill half of her home arena, even with bargain-basement ticket prices? The attendance figures became a focal point in discussions about her marketability and influence, especially in comparison to other rising stars in the WNBA.

Social Media Reactions and Family Defense

As the attendance controversy grew, it wasn’t Angel Reese herself who responded, but her mother. Taking to social media, Reese’s mother defended her daughter by shifting the conversation from attendance numbers to championship banners, implying that true fans should value titles over turnout. Her tweet, referencing “a certain fan base” and celebrating LSU’s championship legacy, was widely interpreted as a dig at Caitlin Clark’s supporters.

However, this response only intensified the scrutiny. Many saw it as a deflection rather than an answer to the legitimate questions about Reese’s current drawing power. The attempt to invoke past college glory in the context of a professional game did little to quiet critics; if anything, it highlighted the disconnect between Reese’s reputation and her ability to attract fans as a pro.

Changing Roles and On-Court Challenges

Compounding the off-court challenges are the significant changes Reese faces on the court. Chicago Sky’s new head coach, Tyler Marsh, is reimagining Reese’s role, moving her away from her comfort zone under the basket and into a stretch-four position. This transition is no small feat. Reese built her reputation on aggressive rebounding and scoring near the rim, but her shooting percentages raise concerns about her effectiveness in a perimeter role.

Last season, Reese ranked 30th in two-point percentage and near the bottom in three-point and free-throw shooting. Her effective field goal percentage was among the lowest in the league, despite most of her attempts coming from close range. With the Sky’s offensive scheme now favoring Camila Cardoso as the primary interior threat, Reese’s opportunities for offensive rebounds and double-doubles—the hallmarks of her rookie season—may diminish.

A Stark Contrast: Caitlin Clark’s Meteoric Rise

The conversation around Angel Reese’s homecoming inevitably draws comparisons to Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie whose star power has become a phenomenon in both college and professional basketball. While Reese struggled to fill half of LSU’s arena, Clark’s return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena was a sellout event, with tickets vanishing in minutes and resale prices soaring above $400.

Clark’s drawing power extends far beyond her home state. Every game she plays becomes a marquee event, prompting teams to move games to larger NBA arenas and breaking viewership records on national television. Her jersey sales have shattered WNBA records, and her presence is credited with transforming the league’s visibility and economics. Unlike Reese, Clark lets her performance and the numbers speak for themselves, rarely boasting about her influence.

What Does This Mean for Angel Reese?

The contrast between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is more than just a story of two athletes; it’s a reflection of how marketability, performance, and public perception intersect in modern sports. Reese’s claims of being a major draw in women’s basketball now face tough questions. The empty seats at LSU serve as a tangible measure of her current influence, challenging the narrative she and her supporters have promoted.

As Reese adapts to her new role in Chicago and works to improve her shooting, her ability to fill arenas and capture fan interest will be closely watched. Her journey is far from over, but the lessons from her homecoming are clear: in sports, star power is earned anew at every level. Past achievements, no matter how impressive, don’t guarantee future success or fan loyalty.

Conclusion

Angel Reese’s return to LSU was meant to be a celebration of her legacy and a testament to her impact on women’s basketball. Instead, it became a sobering reminder that popularity and marketability are never static. As the WNBA continues to grow and new stars emerge, Reese’s next steps—both on and off the court—will determine whether she can reclaim the spotlight or if her moment has passed. For now, the empty seats speak louder than any claim, setting the stage for the next chapter in her career and in the ongoing evolution of women’s basketball.