Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who played crucial roles in the gold medal game against France, showcased their bond during the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup. Sitting together on the bench, they shared laughter and emotions, particularly during pivotal moments of the match. This tournament marked their first time competing together in high-stakes situations, culminating in their shared victory. Despite their history as rivals in college and professional basketball, Clark emphasized that she and Reese have 'always been friends.'
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Following the championship game, Clark responded to inquiries about their friendship, noting, "don't do that," in a playful manner to a question posed by OutKick. Their relationship has been a topic of speculation since the 2023 women's college basketball national championship when Reese celebrated her win by pointing to her ring finger in Clark’s direction. Since turning professional, their matchups have garnered significant attention, with one game attracting over 2.2 million viewers.
In a 2024 Time Magazine interview, Clark described her relationship with Reese as respectful, stating, "We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another." Despite their competitive nature, Reese had expressed her wish to play alongside Clark in a 2024 WSJ Magazine interview, highlighting their mutual impact on the sport.
The two first teamed up during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where Clark contributed 10 assists and Reese added 12 points and 11 rebounds, leading Team WNBA to victory over the U.S. Olympic team. Earlier this year, they helped the U.S. secure a 5-0 record at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, culminating in their success in Berlin. Their partnership may continue to grow, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles.
Jackson Thompson reports for Fox News Digital, focusing on significant political and cultural issues within sports.