Earlier this year, Minnesota Lynx and Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve had a pretty critical message for Caitlin Clark and her impact on the league. But it seems like that opinion has changed.
Last month, Cheryl Reeve posted a message on social media responding to the league using Caitlin Clark in an advertisement for an upcoming game. In her post, Reeve expressed frustration that Clark and the Indiana Fever were getting so much attention as she used the hashtags “#12teams” and “theWismorethanoneplayer” the latter of which was an obvious shot at Clark.
“ALSO in action tonight – @minnesotalynx vs @chicagosky 7pm CST. Though fans won’t be able to watch, #Lynx fans can go to the Lynx app to follow along via play by play. Or if you are in market, come to the game…as we start the season off right #12teams #theWismorethanoneplayer” Reeve said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
ALSO in action tonight – @minnesotalynx vs @chicagosky 7pm CST. Though fans won't be able to watch, #Lynx fans can go to the Lynx app to follow along via play by play. Or if you are in market, come to the game…as we start the season off right ✅#12teams #theWismorethanoneplayer https://t.co/Wp5vwt8ucK
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) May 3, 2024
But following this weekend’s game against Clark and the Fever, Reeve changed her tune as she gave Clark credit for everything she has done to grow the game and bring in massive crowds.
“I mean, I don’t know that I quite understand the question in that everybody knows that the reason why our teams around the league are having sellouts are because Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are coming to town,” Reeve said. “Angel Reese has impacted their attendance at the Chicago games. I suspect on the road as well. So what the league can do is be ready to capitalize on the moments, but it’s much like when we saw Bird and Magic come in the league, right.
“The league has been building for a watershed moment and we’re here,” Reeve continued. “Now, you’ve got to take advantage of it. It’s beyond just kind of saying, OK, well the Indiana Fever and they’re selling out and you’re just sitting back and watching it. How, (what) other ways can you monetize and capitalize on it. That’s obviously a business-layered thing, but that’s how I think you could capitalize.”
Clearly, she has had a change of heart.
