RM Furious Fallout: Angel Reese Left Off Forbes List as Caitlin Clark Crowned the “Most Powerful Athlete” in Women’s Sports
Women’s sports just experienced a shockwave, and the epicenter is Forbes’ newly released 2025 “Most Powerful Women in Sports” list. The rankings exposed a dramatic gap between the WNBA’s two most polarizing rookies, sparking heated debate and rumors of behind-the-scenes tension. Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, landed an astonishing fourth place—ranked alongside billionaires, major executives, and global sports titans. Angel Reese, meanwhile, was absent from the list entirely.
This isn’t merely a ranking; it’s a declaration of who holds true economic influence in modern sports. According to reports, the snub has left Reese “spiraling,” reigniting a rivalry that has evolved far beyond basketball and into the high-stakes business arena. The numbers make it clear: these two athletes are currently existing in different financial universes.
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Caitlin Clark: The $8.1 Million Rookie Phenomenon
To grasp why Forbes placed Clark so high, you have to look at the money behind her name. In her very first WNBA season, Clark earned an estimated $8.1 million, dwarfing her roughly $70,000 league salary. That means she brought in over 100 times more from endorsements than from basketball itself.
Her income doesn’t just surpass other players—it’s reportedly higher than what some women’s sports teams are worth. Clark’s massive earning power comes from blockbuster deals with Nike, Gatorade, Wilson, and more. These aren’t standard endorsements; they’re structured like superstar-level partnerships. Nike didn’t simply sign her—they gave her a signature shoe and a revenue-sharing deal, betting she can move merchandise like Jordan or Curry.
This is exactly what Forbes evaluated: not stats on the court, but “pure business power”—her ability to shift markets, influence media deals, and drive revenue on a scale only a handful of athletes ever reach. They describe Clark as “a 23-year-old athlete operating like a global enterprise.”
The Jealousy Narrative: Is There a Pattern?
While Clark’s business empire accelerates, reports claim Angel Reese is struggling with the widening gap between them. The video commentary points to a “recurring pattern” dating back to their NCAA days at LSU and Iowa—suggesting that whenever Clark achieves something major, Reese feels compelled to make a countermove.
The timeline highlighted includes:
- Draft Night: Clark is chosen No. 1 with explosive media attention; Reese goes No. 7.
- Shoe Deals: Clark reveals her historic Nike contract; soon after, Reese announces a partnership with Reebok.
- Endorsements: Clark inks a deal with Gatorade; Reese quickly partners with another beverage company.
Critics argue Reese’s moves can seem reactionary—attempts to stay aligned with Clark’s momentum rather than the market itself. Forbes ultimately decided that Reese’s economic influence still doesn’t match the massive ecosystem Clark generates.
The “Clark Effect”: The Data Behind Her Power
Forbes’ ranking didn’t come from hype—it came from numbers that clearly show Clark’s unique value to the WNBA.
- Viewership: The 2025 All-Star Game lost over 1 million viewers (a 36% drop) because Clark was injured and absent.
- Ticket Market: Once fans learned Clark wouldn’t play, secondary market ticket prices plummeted 48% in one night.
- League-Wide Impact: Analysts estimate Clark drove 26.5% of the entire WNBA’s economic activity in her rookie year.
When Clark is on the court, the WNBA produces NBA-like ratings and sellouts. Without her, the numbers fall back to league norms. This explains why Forbes lists her alongside owners—her presence alone shifts the financial landscape.
A Tale of Two Approaches
What’s especially telling is how different sports organizations have responded to Clark’s star power. The LPGA capitalized instantly—pairing Clark with world No. 1 Nelly Korda for a Pro-Am event and launching a promotional campaign within hours.
The WNBA, by comparison, has faced criticism for being slower to fully embrace Clark’s superstar influence, opting to promote league “balance” over riding the wave of its biggest draw. Yet the market has spoken: sponsors aren’t just investing in the league—they’re investing in Caitlin Clark herself.
Conclusion: The Growing Divide
By naming Caitlin Clark one of the most powerful figures in sports, Forbes has confirmed what the business world already recognized: Clark is an anomaly—a cultural and economic force unlike anything the WNBA has seen. For Angel Reese, the omission is a harsh reminder of the difference in their current trajectories.
Their rivalry may continue on the court, but financially and culturally, Clark is operating at a level few athletes ever reach. As Reese reportedly fumes over the snub, Forbes delivers a blunt message: in today’s sports industry, power is measured not just by performance but by financial impact—and right now, Caitlin Clark stands alone at the top.
