Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: Friendship and Triumph at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese shared memorable moments during the final round of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. While sitting on the bench, they were seen laughing and sharing emotions as their team faced challenges. Their collaborative efforts on several crucial plays shifted the momentum right before halftime against France. This tournament marked the first occasion the two played together in high-stakes games, and their efforts led them to become world champions.

Despite their histories in college and professional basketball, often portrayed as rivals, Clark emphasized their lasting friendship. She stated, “We’ve always been friends,” after the final game, dismissing any speculation about their relationship.

Much of the interest in Clark and Reese’s relationship stemmed from the 2023 women’s college basketball national championship when Reese gestured boastfully toward Clark. Their second professional matchup attracted over 2.2 million viewers.

In their media exchanges, both maintained respect for each other. During an interview with Time Magazine in 2024, Clark remarked on their competitive history, saying they had great battles but had not guarded one another directly.

Reese, in a WSJ Magazine interview, expressed enthusiasm about potentially becoming Clark’s teammate. They first played together in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, where Clark contributed 10 assists and Reese scored 12 points with 11 rebounds, leading Team WNBA to victory over the U.S. Olympic team.

Their synergy continued as they led the U.S. team’s successful performance, including a 5-0 record at the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. Their joint successes in Berlin signal a promising future with the 2028 Olympics approaching in Los Angeles.

Jackson Thompson, a sports reporter for Fox News Digital, highlights critical political and cultural issues in sports with an investigative lens. His work has contributed to media outlets and federal government actions regarding Title IX.