Kim Mulkey had a lot to say about the Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark effect

As Angel Reese returned to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center—this time wearing a Chicago Sky jersey for an exhibition game against the Brazilian National Team—her former LSU coach, Kim Mulkey, joined the live broadcast to reflect on Reese’s impact and her high-profile collegiate rival, Caitlin Clark.

Mulkey discussed how both Reese and Clark have influenced the women’s game and how they’ve started their rookie seasons in the WNBA.

“I think when you’re a rookie, you kind of feel your way, and I think the publicity that came with Angel and Caitlin Clark is great,” Mulkey said.

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She acknowledged that while both players are still adjusting to the WNBA, the buzz they created has already made a lasting impact.

“As they evolve into leaders for their respective teams, you’re going to see better basketball.”

Mulkey reflected on how they're carrying the same energy over to the pros. “As they become more comfortable—you’re just going to see them do so many wonderful things for the league.”

Mulkey emphasized that while Reese and Clark are still early in their journeys, they’ve already contributed something invaluable: a surge of new fans.

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“They know that they’re not what you call quote-on-quote the veterans in the league. But they sure did bring a lot to the league, just in new fans, from the college level, because both played at institutions that bought into women’s basketball.”

From sold-out college arenas to surging WNBA ticket sales, the Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark effect is no longer just a moment—it’s a movement.