'Getting So Toxic': WNBA Star Says Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Trend is Spreading

No Longer Just Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

The 2025 MVP frontrunner identified Clark and Reese's fan bases as the root of the issue, but says it has expanded beyond vile comments launched by fans toward the sophomore duo.

"Every game it's just hatred out there towards other players — not just Angel and Caitlin," Collier observed. "They are the OGs where people will get so polarizing with, but it's with everyone. People get so nasty."

Collier took issue with fans saying hateful things when she sees basketball as just a game that should unify people.

"I feel like we are trending in a really bad spot with that," the 28-year-old warned.

DeWanna Bonner, Candace Parker Controversies Keep the Conversation Going

You don't have to look much further than the night before, when all-time WNBA great DeWanna Bonner was booed by Indiana Fever fans in her first game after leaving the team.

Fans, coaches and players took sides over how much respect Bonner deserved from her former team — with the debate amplified since it involved the Fever's massive online following.

Avoiding Hate, Not Criticism

WNBA legend Candace Parker, who recently faced accusations of hating on Reese in the media, has been outspoken on the other end of the spectrum from Collier.

She has stood by her critiques of Reese, pushing for fans and media to treat female athletes like their male counterparts and stop shielding them from criticism.

Women's basketball fans must find a middle ground where they can fairly criticize players without crossing into the "hatred" Collier identified that so closely follows Clark and Reese.

The WNBA has done its job with the “No Space For Hate” platform, and now fans must do theirs as the league continues to grow.