Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has harsh words for the WNBA as the league investigates alleged “hateful comments” made toward Angel Reese during a game against the Indiana Fever. According to Portnoy, the WNBA is not just reacting to rumors, it’s protecting a player who continues to display open resentment toward Caitlin Clark.
WNBA Crowd Was ‘All Love,’ Says Portnoy
The controversy stems from a reported incident during Saturday’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The WNBA released a statement condemning hate and announcing a probe into the alleged behavior.
Portnoy, who attended the game in a Caitlin Clark jersey and sat courtside, immediately pushed back on the claim. “The only hate I saw was from Angel Reese, going after Caitlin Clark for a normal foul,” he said in a video posted to X. “Did the crowd boo her? Yes. That’s what happens in sports.”
He noted the crowd was mostly “little girls, families, and friendly fans,” and dismissed the idea that hate speech occurred. “No one saw anything. No footage, no recordings, nothing. You’re basing this on a random internet rumor.”
Portnoy believes acknowledging the unproven claims gives legitimacy to false narratives. “For the Fever and the WNBA to issue these statements makes it seem like something happened when it didn’t. You’re throwing your own fans under the bus.”
Dave Portnoy Says League Is Mishandling Star Power
The sports media figure also used the opportunity to critique the WNBA’s handling of Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league. “She’s making you relevant. And instead of supporting her, you let players like Angel Reese, who clearly resent her, act like victims.”
He concluded his comments by daring the league to provide evidence: “If you find one iota of truth, I’ll eat my words. But you won’t. Because it didn’t happen.”
Statements from the WNBPA and Sky CEO Adam Fox supported the investigation. But Portnoy’s view remains clear: this isn’t about hate, it’s about rivalry, and the WNBA is misreading the moment.
