Joy Taylor Defends Angel Reese: “It’s Not Just One Girl Carrying the WNBA”

With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a quad strain, WNBA viewership continues to hold strong — and sports broadcaster Joy Taylor believes she knows why: the league is much bigger than any one player.

In a passionate segment on her show this week, Taylor pushed back against the idea that Clark is the sole engine of the WNBA’s recent rise.

“It’s not just one girl putting the WNBA on the map,” she said.
“It’s women like Angel Reese and Brittney Griner taking this league to the next level and beyond. Caitlin Clark is a part of that — but not the only reason.”

Reese Steps Into the Spotlight

Since Clark’s injury, all eyes have turned to rising stars like Angel Reese, who continues to draw attention with her energy, charisma, and relentless drive on the court.

Despite polarizing headlines and social media storms, Reese has been at the center of major storylines — good, bad, and everything in between.

And Taylor sees that as a strength, not a weakness.

“Love her or hate her, Angel Reese keeps people talking. That’s what the league needs right now — voices, faces, and fire.”

Beyond One Star

While Caitlin Clark has undeniably brought millions of new eyes to the WNBA, Taylor insists that the league’s foundation can’t rest on a single athlete.

“When Michael Jordan was out, the NBA didn’t shut down. The same goes here,” Taylor added. “Caitlin is a game-changer — but she’s not the whole game.”

She also pointed to veterans like Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson, who’ve carried the torch for years and continue to deliver both on and off the court.

Social Media Reactions

Taylor’s comments sparked immediate buzz online, with fans weighing in on both sides:

“Joy’s right. The league doesn’t need a savior — it needs a movement,” one user posted.

“Let’s not kid ourselves — Clark made WNBA tickets gold. No Reese, no Griner, no one else is doing that,” another fired back.

Hashtags like #WNBAStars and #JoyTaylor began trending shortly after the clip aired.

Final Word: A League with Many Faces

The debate over who’s “carrying” the WNBA may rage on, but Joy Taylor’s message is clear: the league’s strength lies in its diversity — of talent, personalities, and stories.

“This is a league full of women rewriting the rules,” Taylor concluded. “And Angel Reese? She’s not riding anyone’s wave — she’s making her own.”