BREAKING: Angel Reese Issues Ultimatum Over Caitlin Clark — “If She’s on Team USA, I’m Out – Permanently”

By News Nunu — March 6, 2025

In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sending shockwaves through the world of women’s basketball, Angel Reese has drawn a line in the sand. The rising star and outspoken forward has made her stance clear on the looming question of Team USA’s Olympic roster: “If Caitlin Clark steps onto this team, I walk away—forever.”

This ultimatum—unapologetic and unwavering—has ignited fierce debate among fans, analysts, and insiders as the U.S. gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Reese’s blunt declaration has exposed deep-rooted tensions that have simmered beneath the surface of women’s basketball for over a year.

The Rivalry That Sparked a Movement

The Reese-Clark rivalry has been one of the most talked-about storylines in sports since their unforgettable 2023 NCAA Championship showdown, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. What followed was not just a sports moment, but a cultural flashpoint—fueling conversations about race, gender dynamics, and media bias.

While both women have flourished since joining the WNBA, their rivalry has remained palpably intense. On the court, they’ve elevated each other’s games. Off the court? The relationship has soured. Reese’s latest declaration only confirms what many suspected: the divide is no longer just competitive—it’s personal.

A Power Struggle Within Team USA

With the Olympic Games drawing near, Team USA is facing immense pressure to assemble its most dominant roster yet. Caitlin Clark, the sharpshooting phenom with record-breaking college stats and a rapidly growing fan base, is considered a lock by many. But Reese, a relentless rebounder and defensive force, has proven herself equally indispensable.

Now, the national team finds itself trapped in a dilemma: Do they risk team unity to include Clark? Or risk alienating one of their brightest young stars in Reese?

Sources close to Reese say she’s long felt undervalued in comparison to Clark. Despite leading LSU to a national title, posting eye-popping rebounding numbers in the WNBA and Unrivaled leagues, and growing a sizable fan base of her own, Reese feels overshadowed by what she sees as a media obsession with Clark.

“She’s tired of being a side note in someone else’s highlight reel,” one insider told us. “This isn’t about ego—it’s about respect.”

Media Attention, Sponsorships, and the Unspoken Divide

At the heart of this tension is more than just basketball. It’s about narrative control, opportunity, and race. While Clark’s shooting and poise have earned her comparisons to Steph Curry, critics argue that her media coverage far outweighs her contributions—especially compared to Black players like Reese, who’ve been grinding for years.

Reese herself has hinted at this imbalance in past interviews, and this latest move could be her most public pushback yet.

“She’s making a stand,” said ESPN analyst Dawn Simmons. “She’s saying, ‘You can’t just use me when it’s convenient. I deserve to be treated like a star, too.’”

Team USA Responds… Carefully

As of now, USA Basketball has not publicly addressed Reese’s ultimatum. But behind the scenes, sources say the mood is tense. The program is aware that any move—whether to include or exclude either player—could stir backlash. Supporters of Clark argue that her inclusion is essential for the team’s offensive firepower and global appeal. Supporters of Reese warn that ignoring her talent and leadership could fracture the locker room and alienate fans who view her as a symbol of resilience and pride.

“There’s no easy answer,” a Team USA staffer told us anonymously. “You want the best team. But you also want a team that can function.”

Meanwhile, Angel Reese Dominates Elsewhere

While Team USA deliberates, Reese isn’t waiting for validation. She’s tearing it up in the Unrivaled women’s 3-on-3 league, where she’s helped lift Rose BC into the playoffs. In a pivotal game against Laces BC, Reese recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds, showcasing the grit and consistency that’s defined her career.

Former NBA players and analysts have taken notice. Shareef O’Neal, son of the legendary Shaquille O’Neal, praised Reese on Instagram, calling her “Good feet’s twin” in a highlight reel that’s gone viral. Even Shaq himself has openly backed Reese in the past, pointing to her elite rebounding instincts and big-game mentality.

In fact, Shaq’s iconic 61-point, 28-rebound performance in 2000 now has echoes in the way Reese controls the boards—especially in high-stakes games.

Rising Tensions and Uncertain Futures

With the WNBA gaining unprecedented visibility thanks to Clark, Reese, and other young stars, the league is also grappling with growing pains. The tension between these two players has become a symbol of that friction.

Clark, for her part, has stayed largely silent amid the swirling drama, choosing to let her performance on the court speak for itself. But her silence doesn’t shield her from scrutiny. Every foul she draws, every teammate’s glance, every postgame quote is parsed for deeper meaning.

Meanwhile, Reese’s defiant stance is likely to force a reckoning. Can Team USA risk a public rift at the very moment the world is watching? Or will they risk the wrath of Clark’s fiercely loyal following by leaving her off the roster?

What Comes Next?

It’s a defining moment for Team USA and women’s basketball as a whole. In a sport long overlooked, the stakes have never been higher—and neither has the drama. The Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese saga isn’t just a rivalry anymore. It’s a test of the sport’s direction, values, and ability to handle conflict at the highest level.

For Angel Reese, this isn’t just a threat. It’s a turning point.

“If Caitlin Clark is on this team, I’m out—for good,” she said. “No more pretending. No more sidelines. Either I’m respected, or I’m gone.”

Now, the ball is in Team USA’s court.