BREAKING NEWS: Angel Reese Walks Into an Empty Arena While Caitlin Clark Packs the House—What Their Preseason Homecomings Reveal About the WNBA’s Future

The difference could not have been more stark. Two rookie superstars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, both made their highly anticipated preseason homecoming debuts this week—but the scenes that unfolded in their respective arenas told two very different stories about the current and future state of the WNBA.

In Baton Rouge, Angel Reese returned as a conquering hero to the same court where she once led LSU to a national championship and became a household name in women’s basketball. But this time, the atmosphere was subdued, and the energy was noticeably absent. The numbers tell the story: just 6,373 fans showed up to the 13,215-seat arena, leaving more than half the seats empty. Even calling it a “crowd” felt generous; the gathering resembled more of a family reunion than the raucous, sold-out games of her college glory days. Tickets were available for as little as $15—less than the price of dinner at most restaurants—yet entire sections of the lower bowl sat deserted, with scattered fans sitting alone amid rows of vacant purple seats. The upper deck was almost entirely empty, and the echoes of squeaking sneakers filled the silence where cheers once resounded.

This was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming, a night of celebration for Angel Reese and her supporters. Instead, wide camera shots revealed abandoned sections and a sea of empty seats, making the arena feel more like the site of a closed practice than a professional basketball game. Even the most creative camera operators struggled to find angles that didn’t highlight the disappointing turnout. The contrast with Reese’s college days—when every seat was filled and the building shook with excitement—could not have been more pronounced.

The low attendance was particularly surprising given Reese’s massive online following and her vocal promotion of the event on social media. In the days leading up to the game, she urged fans to come out and support her return to Louisiana, building anticipation among her millions of Instagram followers. But the disconnect between her digital presence and the reality inside the arena was glaring. The turnout suggested that while Reese’s online brand is strong, it has yet to translate into consistent ticket sales or in-person support. For all the talk about her being a draw for the WNBA, the empty seats told a different story.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in Iowa, a completely different scene was unfolding. Caitlin Clark, the other rookie phenom from this year’s draft, was making her preseason debut for the Indiana Fever at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The response was nothing short of electric. Every one of the 14,998 seats was filled, with fans paying up to $670 just for a chance to witness Clark’s return. The arena buzzed with anticipation hours before tip-off, with fans tailgating in the parking lot, playing games, grilling food, and swapping stories about Clark’s legendary college performances. The line to get in snaked around the building, and the energy inside was palpable. When Clark was introduced, the roar was deafening—a physical wave of sound that underscored her connection with the fans.

This was not just another preseason game; it was an event. Families traveled from across the Midwest, daughters clutching handmade signs, and supporters willing to pay premium prices for resale tickets. The atmosphere inside the arena was more reminiscent of a championship final than an exhibition. When Clark hit a three-pointer from her signature spot on the court, the eruption from the crowd was immediate and overwhelming. After the game, Clark stayed to sign autographs, creating lifelong memories for young fans who idolized her.

The contrast between the two homecomings was impossible to ignore. While Reese struggled to fill even half her arena, Clark’s game was sold out, with demand far outstripping supply. This difference in fan engagement was further highlighted by the teams’ performances on the court. Clark’s Indiana Fever demolished the Brazilian national team by a staggering 64 points, showcasing a level of dominance and teamwork that had the crowd on its feet. Reese’s Chicago Sky, facing the same opponent, managed a far narrower victory.

So what does this mean for the future of the WNBA? The market has spoken, and the message is clear: Caitlin Clark is not just a star—she’s a phenomenon. Her ability to draw fans, generate buzz, and create unforgettable experiences is already reshaping the league’s landscape. Clark’s supporters are deeply invested, willing to travel, pay top dollar, and turn preseason games into must-see events. Her impact goes beyond her stat line; she elevates her teammates, energizes the crowd, and brings a sense of excitement that is rare in any sport.

Angel Reese, by contrast, faces a different challenge. Despite her impressive college resume and social media clout, she has yet to convert her popularity into consistent in-person support. The empty seats at her homecoming game raise important questions about the difference between digital influence and real-world drawing power. Reese’s story is far from over—she remains a talented player with a passionate fan base—but the early indicators suggest she has work to do if she wants to match Clark’s impact on and off the court.

The divergent paths of these two rookies offer a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of women’s basketball. As the WNBA seeks to grow its audience and cement its place in the mainstream sports landscape, the ability to connect with fans and fill arenas will be crucial. Clark’s success demonstrates what is possible when a player captures the imagination of the public and delivers on the court. Reese’s experience serves as a reminder that building a lasting legacy requires more than just online followers—it demands a genuine connection with fans who are willing to show up, buy tickets, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes basketball magical.

In the end, the numbers don’t lie. One rookie played to thousands of empty seats despite bargain-basement ticket prices, while the other packed the house with fans paying hundreds for the privilege. As the WNBA’s new era dawns, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—not just for their skills, but for what their journeys reveal about the league’s future. The story is just beginning, but the early chapters suggest that Clark’s star power may be the key to unlocking the next level of women’s basketball.