Caitlin Clark doesn’t want to steal the spotlight at the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, which will take place in Phoenix on July 20.
Clark, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Fever in this year’s WNBA draft, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick by the Sky, headline Team WNBA that will face Team USA — made up of the WNBA players selected to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics — in the league’s 20th edition of the All-Star game.
However, Clark explained that she doesn’t want the buzz about the former college rivals becoming first-time teammates to overshadow the big weekend.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been her teammate before, even with USA Basketball or anything like that,” Clark said in a postgame press conference after Tuesday’s 88-69 loss to the Aces. “I know people are going to be really excited about it, but I hope it doesn’t take away from everybody else. This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and everybody on Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise.
“I don’t want it to take away from any of that and just be the focal point of All-Star weekend because that’s not fair to them. And obviously this is something that’s really hard to accomplish. The best we can celebrate all of them will be great and I’m just obviously going to soak in the experience because you never know if you’re ever going to be able to get back there. It’ll be fun for all of us, for sure.”
Fans are highly anticipating Clark and Reese playing on the same team after their on-court rivalry in college transitioned to the WNBA.
Reese led the LSU Tigers to their first championship in program history in a win over Clark and Iowa in 2023.
Reese famously waved her hand in front of Clark’s face — the “you can’t see me” gesture — at the end of the game, which helped fuel the rivalry.
Iowa defeated LSU in the Elite Eight of this year’s women’s NCAA Tournament.
Clark and Reese have maintained their relationship is a competitive one on the court and that nothing is personal.
Both stars helped break attendance records, viewership and ticket sales at the college level, as well as in the WNBA.
The 22-year-old Reese shed tears while reacting to her first All-Star nod as a rookie.
“I’m just so happy. I know the work I’ve put in,” Reese said after he recorded her 11th straight double-double — with 12 points and 19 rebounds — in an 85-77 win against the Dream on Tuesday. “Coming into this league so many people doubted me and didn’t think my game would translate — and I wouldn’t be the player I was in college, or better, or would be worse, or wouldn’t be where I am right now.
“But I trusted the process and I believed. I’m thankful that I dropped to seven and was able to come to Chicago and it’s just a blessing. I can’t thank my teammates and my coaches enough for just believing in me and trusting me. I know all of them are going to come to Phoenix and support me.”
Clark and Reese have been dominating on and off the court.
The Fever guard’s first Wilson signature basketballs have been unveiled. All three basketballs in the Limitless Series come in various sizes and will be available for purchase Tuesday, July 9 exclusively at Wilson.com and at select Wilson retail locations.
The WNBA All-Star game will tip off July 20 at 8:30 p.m. in Phoenix and air on ABC.
ESPN will air a skills challenge and a 3-point contest on July 19 at 6 p.m.
This year’s festivities will also feature the third annual WNBA Live — the league’s two-day fan festival, which will celebrate the intersection of the WNBA, fashion, music and culture — that will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center July 19-20.
