The Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry in the WNBA is often compared to the legendary rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 1980s.
The intensely committed fanbase for both participants, along with the increased interest in the overall product due to that rivalry, makes it a natural comparison.
Will Reese and Clark rise to the same level and become two of the greatest players to ever grace the WNBA? That remains to be seen.
They’re off to a good start though. Clark and the Indiana Fever lead the series thus far, 2-1. And there has certainly been a fair share of controversial ‘basketball plays’ that lend to a passionate reaction from fans. Further, both are firmly in the running for rookie of the year honors.
Now, one of the principal members of the rivalry that brought the NBA to new heights is weighing in. Magic Johnson offered his thoughts on social media Monday.
RELATED: Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky Mock Caitlin Clark Fans After They Finally Beat The Fever
Magic Johnson On Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese Rivalry
Former Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson offered up his thoughts on the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry, saying it is definitely good for the WNBA.
He insists the two “have taken women’s basketball by storm.”
“Larry and I heightened the NBA’s overall popularity,” the five-time NBA champion said. “The Lakers and Celtics sold out arenas throughout the league and increased television viewership exponentially.”
“The higher viewership numbers led to the NBA signing significantly larger TV contracts which then led to higher salaries for the players. Caitlin and Angel are now doing the same thing, selling out arenas and increasing the viewership.”
“They have taken women’s basketball by storm and with expiring TV deals on the horizon, the WNBA is now in a position to negotiate higher TV contracts and increase salaries for all of the talented players,” Magic explained.
RELATED: There Are Only Three Active Athletes More Popular Than Caitlin Clark
Same As Magic And Larry?
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were drafted into the NBA in 1979 and 1978, respectively, and their rivalry began in college when their teams faced off in the 1979 NCAA Championship game.
Their rivalry continued in the NBA, with Johnson playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird for the Boston Celtics. Every single season in the ’80s saw either the Lakers or the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
Their teams met in the NBA Finals three times, with the Lakers winning two of those championships.
It seems unlikely that Reese and her Chicago Sky nor Clark and her Indiana Fever will be competing for championships right out of the gate as those teams did, however.
Reports have also surfaced indicating the WNBA is poised to lose $50 million this season. That’s in spite of their new fan interest.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird propelled the NBA to new heights in popularity and revenue. Reese and Clark could do the same, but the league itself is going to have to find a way to capitalize.
More about:WNBA