ESPN Analyst Andraya Carter believes the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry is the driving factor behind the recent success of women’s basketball.

“These two going at each other, Angel and Caitlin in a basketball sense, in trying to lead their team, it’s what helped women’s college basketball blow up,” said Carter on ESPN’s Get Up. “It’s gonna help continue for the WNBA to blow up as well.”

This comes a day after Clark’s Fever beat Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky 91-83.

Mike Greenberg, the show’s host, quickly echoed Carter’s opinion, saying, “It does feel like it could be the rivalry that defines the league moving forward.”

Clark and Reese’s rivalry began in college and has become one of the most talked-about in sports.

Sunday’s game marked the eighth meeting between the two. Reese won the first four matchups, including the national title game in 2023, which featured a memorable moment when Reese taunted Clark by pointing to her ring finger after LSU’s 102-85 victory over Iowa.

However, Clark has turned the tide, winning the last three encounters, including an Elite Eight contest earlier this year and the two WNBA games they’ve played so far.

Both players are off to strong starts in their WNBA careers. Clark is averaging 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, while Reese is posting 12.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark pose for photos before the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This is just the beginning of an entertaining rivalry, and Carter is likely right: it’s a key reason why the league has seen such growth.

Fans can look forward to many more thrilling matchups between these two stars as they continue to elevate women’s basketball.