Sports reporter Jackson Thompson said his postgame question to Caitlin Clark about her relationship with Angel Reese was not meant to stir controversy but stemmed from simple curiosity after watching the two players interact during the tournament. The exchange happened moments after Team USA defeated France to claim gold at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
According to Pro Football Network, Thompson asked the Indiana Fever guard about the status of her longtime on-court rival’s friendship. Clark responded plainly, “We’ve always been friends.” When the reporter attempted a follow-up, Clark waved him off with “Don’t try to do that” and stepped away from the media scrum.
Appearing on Dan Dakich’s podcast two days later, Thompson set the record straight. “I did not ask the question to be inflammatory or divisive,” he said. “I asked the question because I was genuinely curious about what I had seen that week, between the two players as they looked like friends.” He added that he hoped highlighting their off-court bond would help more fans understand that the rivalry stays on the court.
Clark and Reese first drew intense national scrutiny during the 2023 NCAA championship game, when Clark’s Iowa team defeated Reese’s LSU squad in one of the most-watched women’s basketball games in history. That matchup, along with Reese’s memorable gesture toward Clark, helped fuel a surge in popularity for women’s hoops that carried into the WNBA, where both rookies drew record crowds and television audiences.
Despite the competitive history, the two have spoken respectfully about each other in past interviews. They first teamed up during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where Reese recorded a double-double and Clark handed out 10 assists in a victory over the U.S. Olympic team. Their chemistry continued this summer in the World Cup.
Coming off the bench for a deep U.S. roster, Clark averaged 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, primarily serving as a playmaker. Reese posted 7.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals while anchoring the defensive end. The numbers showed how well they complemented each other: 83 percent of Reese’s made field goals in the tournament were assisted by Clark.
In the gold-medal game, Reese’s hustle created a turnover that led to a key Clark three-pointer, helping the Americans erase an early deficit and pull away for the win. Clark finished the final with 12 points and three assists; Reese had three points, three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Why This Matters
Clark and Reese’s ability to set aside their well-known rivalry while representing the United States illustrates a maturing chapter in women’s basketball. What began as a polarizing NCAA storyline has evolved into a powerful driver of league growth, with the WNBA enjoying sustained increases in attendance, merchandise sales, and media coverage since both players arrived as rookies. For American fans and the broader sports landscape, their story shows how authentic rivalries, when paired with mutual respect and national-team success, can elevate the entire sport rather than divide it.
With the WNBA regular season entering its final stretch, Indiana and Atlanta both sit at 26-14. The Dream host Connecticut on September 17, while the Fever visit Toronto the following day. Clark is averaging 22.5 points and 8.4 assists this season; Reese is putting up 16.1 points and 12.4 rebounds. Their World Cup experience suggests both will bring elevated games into the playoffs, whatever the seeding.
The two will resume their on-court battles in the league’s final weeks, but the gold-medal run offered a reminder that their connection extends beyond the scoreboard.
