Jemele Hill Sparks Firestorm by Calling Angel Reese the ‘Michael Jordan of the WNBA’—Claims She’s Already Surpassed Caitlin Clark

In a statement that lit a fuse under an already tense and rapidly evolving WNBA rivalry, veteran sports journalist Jemele Hill has ignited a social media firestorm by declaring Angel Reese the “Michael Jordan of the WNBA”—and going further, stating that the Chicago Sky rookie is already a better player than Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark.

Hill made the bold proclamation during an episode of her podcast earlier this week, and the ripple effects were immediate. “Angel Reese is the Michael Jordan of the WNBA,” Hill said with unshakable conviction. “She’s got that rare combination of charisma, toughness, and a championship mindset. And frankly, she’s already a better basketball player than Caitlin Clark.”

The reaction was instant and explosive. Twitter, Instagram, and sports forums erupted into chaos. Hashtags like #MJReese, #ClarkVsReese, and #WNBAWAR began trending within hours. The Hill statement transformed a simmering rivalry into a full-blown cultural event, sending shockwaves not just through the sports world but across pop culture and political commentary.

The Weight of the Jordan Comparison

Comparing any player to Michael Jordan is no small matter. Jordan is a global icon, a six-time NBA champion, and widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. By likening Angel Reese to Jordan, Hill wasn’t just paying a compliment—she was making a loaded statement about the future of the WNBA, its marketability, and the athlete she believes best embodies that potential.

“Angel Reese doesn’t just play the game—she owns the moment,” Hill elaborated. “She brings emotion, presence, and intensity every time she steps on the floor. That’s Jordan energy. That’s leadership energy.”

Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: The Defining Rivalry

Hill’s assertion pours gasoline on what has already become the WNBA’s most captivating storyline: the rivalry between Reese and Clark. The two were college basketball’s brightest stars, their NCAA matchups drawing record-breaking viewership. Clark, known for her long-range shooting and uncanny vision, quickly became the face of women’s basketball during her final season at Iowa. Reese, with her relentless rebounding, physical defense, and unshakable confidence, carved out her own legacy at LSU.

Their transition to the WNBA has only intensified the rivalry. Clark entered the league as the most hyped rookie in decades, while Reese has built a brand around grit, style, and raw power. Their first professional clash was broadcast nationally and dominated headlines, with fans and analysts parsing every interaction, every stat line, and every gesture.

Now, Hill’s declaration has turned their competition into a full-blown debate about who will define the future of women’s basketball.

Fans and Players React

Social media was divided. Clark supporters posted statistics highlighting her superior scoring and passing. Reese’s fans shared clips of her tenacious defense and unmatched rebounding. The discourse ranged from spirited debates to vitriolic trolling.

Former WNBA stars chimed in. Lisa Leslie warned that the pressure placed on both rookies could be “career-shaping or career-crushing.” Sheryl Swoopes praised both players but urged fans not to rush to judgment: “Let them grow. Greatness isn’t built in one season.”

Others welcomed the controversy as a sign of growth. “This is what we’ve been waiting for,” tweeted analyst and former player Candace Parker. “Real rivalries. Real drama. Eyes on the league. Let’s go.”

Jemele Hill’s Influence—and Intent

Hill, a longtime champion of Black athletes and culture, is no stranger to bold takes. Her past comments on race, politics, and sports have earned both admiration and backlash. This time, critics accused her of stirring unnecessary division and undermining Clark’s historic achievements.

But Hill defended her stance, tweeting: “This isn’t about tearing anyone down. It’s about recognizing greatness where it’s happening. Angel Reese has the IT factor. That’s not shade—it’s truth.”

Her words reflect a broader conversation happening in sports media: Who gets to define greatness? And how do cultural narratives shape athletic legacies?

What’s Next for the WNBA?

This rivalry, now supercharged by media commentary and online discourse, is breathing new life into the WNBA. Attendance is up. Merchandise sales are soaring. National broadcasts are drawing record ratings.

But the league now faces a balancing act. It must leverage the hype without letting it overshadow the full roster of talent across teams. Players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu are also dominating the league and deserve their own spotlight.

Still, it’s undeniable: the Clark-Reese rivalry is the heartbeat of the 2025 WNBA season. Every matchup between the Sky and the Fever is a must-watch event. Every stat line a source of analysis. And every comment—especially from influential voices like Jemele Hill—adds fuel to the fire.

As for Reese and Clark, both seem unbothered by the noise. Reese recently posted, “Let them talk—we ballin’.” Clark, as usual, let her game do the talking, dropping 27 points and 10 assists in her latest outing.

In the end, this rivalry might not just define a season—it could define an era.