Complex Under Fire Over Angel Reese Ranking

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 10:11 AM ET

It's safe to say fans and followers didn't like Complex's latest ranking of female athletes.

Recently, the major publication named the top 10 most influential female athletes today. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark landed at the No. 1 spot, followed by Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. Meanwhile, seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles ended up at the No. 3 spot, behind the two WNBA youngsters.

Completing the top 10 are Sha'Carri Richardson (4th), A'ja Wilson (5th), Sabrina Ionescu (6th), Paige Bueckers (7th), Cameron Brink (8th), JuJu Watkins (9th) and Coco Gauff (10th).

However, while Complex meant to highlight the success of these sports stars, fans couldn't help but complain about how the ranking was made. In the comment section of the publication's Instagram post about the ranking, commenters took issue with Reese's place.

While Reese had a historic first season in the WNBA, many expressed belief that she shouldn't have been ranked that high, especially above the likes of Biles and Wilson, who are both widely considered the best in their respective fields today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Complex Sports (@complexsports)

"Angel Reese above Simone Biles and Aja is absolutely wild. This list was probably made by an Ice Spice fan," a critic wrote. Another one said, "angel reese over aja is diabolical."

"Yeah Angel Reese over the multi-time gold medalist. Makes a lot of sense," a commenter added, referencing Biles.

A follower echoed the same sentiment, noting, "No freaking way Reese is above Simone biles bro."

"Putting Simone Biles behind Angel Reese in most influential female athletes is like putting Timothee Chalamet behind Bryce Hall in most influential actors," a fifth poster stated.

Others simply disagreed with Reese's selection, especially since she has yet to prove anything in her pro career. The Chicago Sky star has established herself not only as a WNBA All-Star on the court but also as a thriving businesswoman off it, but some are not yet convinced that she deserves to be in the ranking.

"ANGEL REESE bro get out of here," a social media user added. A detractor added, "Angel Reese shouldn’t even be mentioned on here."

For what it's worth, ever since Complex published the list, Angel Reese has added more to her accolades. The Sky forward is now also a champion, a Defensive Player of the Year and a Second Team member in the 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: