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Dave Portnoy Sends Strong Caitlin Clark Message Ahead of Sky-Fever Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 17, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The WNBA season tipped off Friday night, but the most highly anticipated matchup of the weekend is set for Saturday afternoon, as the Chicago Sky visit the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

With both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark entering their second seasons, excitement and expectations are sky-high for the two rising stars to take another leap forward.

Ahead of the game, Barstool Sports founder and vocal Caitlin Clark supporter Dave Portnoy shared a photo of Fever fans lining up outside the team shop—nearly six hours before tipoff. Alongside the image, Portnoy delivered a strong message highlighting Clark’s growing influence and undeniable impact on the sport.

"There is a line for Caitlin Clark merch around the corner at 9am," Portnoy said. "An hour before the team store opens. 6 hours before tip off. There has never been anybody like Caitlin Clark."

There is a line for Caitlin Clark merch around the corner at 9am. An hour before the team store opens. 6 hours before tip off. There has never been anybody like Caitlin Clark. pic.twitter.com/U5aW6nx0eG
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) May 17, 2025

Dating back to their college days at LSU and Iowa, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have faced off multiple times on the court. Now entering their second WNBA seasons—and after finishing No. 1 and No. 2 in Rookie of the Year voting—the comparisons between the two have only intensified, fueling a clear divide between their respective fanbases.

Earlier this week, Reese was asked to revisit comments she made during her rookie year, where she emphasized that the rise in women’s basketball isn’t solely due to Clark, but includes her as well. This time, however, she declined to elaborate.

“Next question,” Reese said, cutting off the inquiry.

Now, the two stars are set to open their seasons with a marquee head-to-head matchup. The Fever are looking to build on last year’s 20–20 campaign, which ended in a first-round playoff exit, while the Sky aim to bounce back from a 13–27 season and position themselves as legitimate playoff contenders.

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

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