Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese shared the bench during the final round of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The two were often seen laughing and showing emotion as their team faced setbacks. They connected on several critical plays that shifted the momentum of the gold medal game against France, particularly before halftime. This World Cup marked the first time the pair competed together in high-stakes games, resulting in them being crowned world champions.
Despite narratives positioned around their college and professional careers where they were often portrayed as rivals, Clark insists they have always maintained a friendship. After Sunday’s final, Clark emphasized this in response to questions about their relationship, stating, “We’ve always been friends.” This declaration counters the speculation ignited during the 2023 women’s college basketball national championship when Reese famously pointed to her ring finger toward Clark.
Clark and Reese’s professional encounters have attracted considerable viewer interest, with their second pro match drawing over 2.2 million viewers. In media interactions, both have shown mutual respect when discussing each other. Speaking with Time Magazine in 2024 after earning Athlete of The Year, Clark clarified, “We’re not best friends by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another.” Reese, in a 2024 WSJ Magazine interview, also expressed hopes of teaming up with Clark in the future, predicting continued fan engagement due to their dynamic.
Their collaboration began at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where Clark had 10 assists, while Reese scored 12 points and secured 11 rebounds, contributing to Team WNBA’s victory over the U.S. Olympic team. The success continued in March when they helped the U.S. achieve a 5-0 record at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, culminating in their triumph in Berlin.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Clark and Reese may extend further, with the 2028 Olympics scheduled to occur in Los Angeles. Their story signifies a potential enduring alliance on the sport’s grand stages.