Napheesa Collier Addresses Angel Reese’s Impact on UNRIVALED Viewership, Calls on Caitlin Clark to Join New League

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, WNBA star Napheesa Collier has spoken out about the soaring viewership of UNRIVALED, the newly announced women’s basketball league she co-founded with Breanna Stewart.

Collier directly acknowledged the role Angel Reese has played in boosting attention toward the league while also making a public appeal for Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark to join the movement.

UNRIVALED: A New Era for Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball landscape is shifting dramatically with the arrival of UNRIVALED, a league set to launch in January 2025 with a new format, a star-studded roster, and a promise to revolutionize the sport.

Collier and Stewart, both elite WNBA players, have championed this initiative to provide a competitive alternative that better compensates women’s basketball players while offering a more sustainable schedule.

As the league gains traction, discussions around its growing popularity have intensified, particularly due to the involvement of high-profile athletes like Angel Reese.

The former LSU standout and WNBA rookie has consistently drawn significant attention, whether through her on-court dominance or her outspoken nature.

Her presence alone has contributed to a surge in discussions about UNRIVALED, making her one of the most talked-about figures in the league’s development.

Napheesa Collier’s Take on Angel Reese’s Influence

Collier has openly acknowledged that Reese’s ability to generate headlines has significantly impacted the visibility of UNRIVALED.

The viral moments, competitive energy, and strong fan engagement Reese brings have translated into increased media coverage and a heightened interest in the league.

However, Collier also emphasized that the league’s mission extends beyond any single player—it aims to reshape the future of women’s basketball by giving top athletes a better financial and professional structure.

“There’s no denying that Angel Reese has brought a lot of eyes to the sport,” Collier said in a recent interview.

“Her personality, her playstyle, and her ability to spark conversations have played a huge role in elevating the excitement around what we’re building with UNRIVALED.

But this is about something bigger than one player—we want to change the game for every woman in this sport.”

Why Caitlin Clark’s Presence is Crucial

While Angel Reese has undeniably brought star power to the league’s early buzz, Collier is now turning her attention to another major name in women’s basketball—Caitlin Clark.

The Iowa Hawkeyes guard has consistently been one of the most electrifying players in college basketball, shattering records and drawing massive television audiences.

Her deep three-pointers, elite playmaking ability, and competitive fire have made her a household name, and Collier believes she could be a game-changing addition to UNRIVALED.

“Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest stars in basketball right now,” Collier said.

“She has the ability to captivate audiences in a way that very few players can.

Bringing her into UNRIVALED would be huge—not just for our league, but for the entire movement of giving women’s basketball players more opportunities.”

Clark’s potential move to UNRIVALED would mark a significant shift in the women’s basketball landscape.

With WNBA salaries still trailing significantly behind their NBA counterparts, alternative leagues like UNRIVALED could offer players more financial stability and a greater share of media exposure.

If Clark chooses to join, it could set a precedent for future college stars opting for alternative professional routes rather than the traditional WNBA path.

The Competitive Landscape: UNRIVALED vs. WNBA

UNRIVALED’s rise presents an intriguing challenge to the WNBA.

While the WNBA has made strides in recent years—securing larger television deals, increasing player salaries, and expanding marketing efforts—it still faces structural limitations that hinder player earnings and visibility.

Many WNBA stars play overseas during the offseason to supplement their incomes, leading to grueling schedules and, in some cases, injuries.

UNRIVALED seeks to eliminate this issue by offering a league that prioritizes financial incentives, a compact season structure, and enhanced media coverage.

With just 30 of the best women’s basketball players participating, the league will focus on quality matchups and marquee names to attract fans.

If players like Clark, Reese, and other young stars decide to join, the league could establish itself as a legitimate alternative—or even a competitor—to the WNBA.

The Impact of Star Power on Women’s Basketball

The debate over women’s basketball salaries and media attention has been ongoing for years, but players like Reese and Clark are proving that the demand exists.

Angel Reese’s impact on ticket sales and TV ratings has already been felt at both the college and professional levels.

Similarly, Clark has consistently drawn record-breaking viewership numbers throughout her college career.

Collier’s recognition of this shifting landscape underscores the importance of star power in the sport’s growth.

The more attention these players bring, the stronger the case becomes for better financial opportunities, increased investment, and larger platforms for women’s basketball as a whole.

“We’re seeing the power of women’s sports right now,” Collier added.

“The fans are there, the excitement is there—it’s just about creating the right structure for these athletes to thrive. That’s exactly what we’re doing with UNRIVALED.”

What’s Next for UNRIVALED?

With the league’s launch set for 2025, all eyes are on the roster announcements and the decisions of top-tier players.

While Angel Reese has already played a key role in generating hype, the potential addition of Caitlin Clark could take UNRIVALED to another level.

As Collier and Stewart continue to shape the league’s direction, the basketball world is watching closely.

Will Caitlin Clark take the leap and join this groundbreaking initiative? Will other rising stars follow suit?

And how will the WNBA respond to this emerging competitor?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—women’s basketball is entering a new era, and UNRIVALED is at the center of it.