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Serena Williams’ Coach Bluntly Shuts Down Comparisons Between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s Drawing Power

Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs has dismissed ongoing comparisons between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s ability to draw crowds to WNBA games, arguing the focus overlooks broader league growth. The debate resurfaced after the Atlanta Dream’s playoff series against the New York Liberty drew 9,745 fans for Game 1, with some upper-deck sections closed off, while Clark’s regular-season games in Atlanta each attracted 17,044 attendees.

Stubbs questioned the narrative on social media, pointing to other well-attended games—including a full 20,000-person crowd for the Liberty’s win over the Minnesota Lynx—as evidence of the WNBA’s rising popularity. She also referenced the Valkyries’ stadium as further proof of the league’s success, framing the comparisons as unnecessary given the overall attendance trends.

Stubbs previously defended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello after her controversial remark calling Reese a “protected species” during a heated exchange with officials. The comment, captured on a hot microphone, followed an incident involving Nyara Sabally’s injury and sparked backlash, though Brondello later apologized and was suspended for one game.

Stubbs clarified the phrase’s cultural context in Australian sports, where it refers to poor officiating rather than race, and emphasized Brondello’s character as a “kindest person” who was misunderstood. The exchange underscored the tension between on-court dynamics and off-court perceptions in the WNBA’s evolving landscape.

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