Caitlin Clark Calls Out Reporter Over Angel Reese Question: ‘Don’t Try to Do That’

At the mixed zone following the United States' 97-79 victory over France in the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup final, Caitlin Clark rejected a reporter's inquiry about her friendship with Angel Reese. After Clark and Reese secured their team's championship, Clark was asked if the two are now friends, to which she responded, "We've always been friends.

Don't try to do that. Don't try to do that." Clark firmly shut down the question, signaling her disapproval of attempting to portray her relationship with Reese as something new or different. Reese and Clark had previously expressed positive sentiments about their partnership during the tournament, with Reese describing their collaboration as "fun" and acknowledging their longstanding familiarity with one another's playing styles.

Clark echoed a similar sentiment during an ESPN interview, stating that their relationship would endure despite external narratives that seek to create doubt or division. Throughout her TIME Athlete of the Year interview in December 2024, Clark affirmed that while they had "tremendous battles," their mutual respect remained intact.