With a fresh, high-profile class of women slated for the draft, women’s basketball could benefit from the unprecedented attention it has received in the last month.
Angel Reese, one of them, is keen to create more waves.
The former LSU standout has been instrumental in expanding the sport, particularly when it comes to Caitlin Clark, with whom she squared off in a dramatic and spectacular NCAA women’s basketball tournament final the previous year. In their Elite Eight rematch, which attracted 12.3 million views, it demonstrated that fans wanted it just as much this year.
Angel Reese, a basketball player for LSU, records a commercial at a Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant in Manhattan’s Astor Place.
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Angel Reese, a basketball player for LSU, records a commercial at a Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant in Manhattan’s Astor Place.
Stephen Yang
Angel Reese on April 1, 2024, during LSU’s Elite Eight matchup with Iowa.
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Angel Reese on April 1, 2024, during LSU’s Elite Eight matchup with Iowa.
Getty Photographs
With an average attendance of 18.7 million for the Iowa vs. South Carolina final, those numbers only went up to shatter the record for women’s college basketball viewing. They also outperformed the men’s championship viewership of 14.8 million, as well as any other basketball game (college or professional, men’s or women’s) since 2019.
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“It’s incredible to be able to support women in sports,” Reese remarked on Friday morning during her predraft “shift” at Raising Cane’s in Manhattan’s Astor Place. “I believe I accomplished a lot in college, and a lot of other athletes have followed in my footsteps. This is where you want to be able to take it to the W. And I believe that they, particularly the veterans, merit it. They really did a fantastic job of setting the foundation for us.
“The current state of the game and our ability to outperform the men is insane. It’s thrilling, and I believe that a lot more people are tuning in to see us right now since our games are so much more intriguing,” she continued. “I adore it. I want to be a great player and I think I’ve left my mark, but I also want to be able to participate in this.
In April 2024, Angel Reese submitted a WNBA Draft declaration.
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In April 2024, Angel Reese submitted a WNBA Draft declaration.
via Reuters Con via USA TODAY Sports
8 Reese, who worked a “shift” at the fast-food establishment, submitted her WNBA draft application.
Angel Reese, a Stephen Yang basketball player for LSU, records a commercial at a Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant in Manhattan’s Astor Place.
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Reese is prepared to do the same at the professional level after helping to bring women’s collegiate basketball to a wider audience.
Stephen Yang
Reese registered for Monday’s WNBA draft through Vogue.
To infuse fresh vitality into the WNBA, the star is joined by Clark, Kamilla Cardoso of South Carolina, Cameron Brink of Stanford, Aaliyah Edwards of Connecticut, and several others.
Angel Reese, an LSU basketball player, records a commercial inside a Raising Cane’s fast food restaurant located in Manhattan’s Astor Place.
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Outside of Raising Cane’s in Manhattan, Reese welcomes admirers.
Stephen Yang
Veterans have praised it, but they have cautioned that star power won’t come quickly.
During March Madness, three-time WNBA champion Diana Taurasi famously said to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt that “reality” awaits the novices.
Reese has acknowledged this, though, and after achieving her goals at the collegiate level, she has consistently stated her intention to be at the bottom among skilled veterans.
Reese signs posters and poses for pictures with admirers.
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Reese signs posters and poses for fan selfies.
Stephen Yang
“I’m going to be a rookie in a major league where a lot of amazing women have come before me and set the standard. I approach them with reverence for their identity and past actions. stated Reese. “I’m aware that the game is going to get heated. Even if it’s just the rookies, I know the viewership is growing and I’ve been seeing all the stuff on social media about how it would elevate that and allow the veterans to get the recognition they deserve.
The league seems to lose sight of its top college players after they enter the pros and has struggled to make the most of their marketing opportunities.
On April 1, 2024, Angel Reese shoots against Iowa.
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On April 1, 2024, Angel Reese shoots against Iowa.
Reuters via USA TODAY Sports on Con 15
