The Chicago Sky’s decision to move two games to the United Center in 2025 has sparked controversy, especially with Angel Reese expressing her frustration over the situation. While the move is a significant one for the Sky, the reason behind it seems to lie more in the business of basketball than any desire to reward the fans or the team’s star players.

Angel Reese, a standout in the WNBA, voiced her confusion about why only the games against the Indiana Fever were being shifted to the United Center. The move to a much larger venue, capable of seating 21,000 spectators, has left Reese feeling sidelined, questioning why her team wasn’t receiving similar treatment. However, when examining the situation, the reason behind the decision becomes clear: business.

The attention surrounding Caitlin Clark, another rising star in the league, is undeniable. Last season, Clark’s presence led to a surge in attendance, breaking records and leading teams to scramble for larger arenas just to accommodate the growing crowds. Clark’s ability to draw in fans has made her a massive financial asset for the league, and the Sky are capitalizing on this by moving two of their games against the Fever to the United Center. In fact, other teams across the league are doing the same—shifting games against the Fever to bigger venues to cater to the demand for Clark’s games.

While this might seem like favoritism, it’s not; it’s simply smart business. Clark’s popularity has skyrocketed, especially after her impressive rookie season, and her games are among the hottest tickets in the league. Last year, the Fever’s game against the Sky in Chicago had a record-breaking attendance, and it wasn’t just a one-time occurrence. Clark’s games are now attracting fans in droves, generating massive amounts of revenue for the teams hosting her. In contrast, Angel Reese’s games, despite her talent and presence, haven’t sparked the same level of excitement or crowd attendance.

Reese, who often compared herself to Clark in terms of popularity and impact on the league, now finds herself grappling with the reality of her standing in the WNBA. Last season, the Sky’s games, even with Reese on the roster, rarely moved the needle in terms of attendance. Despite Reese’s impressive performances, her games still struggled to fill arenas. Meanwhile, when Clark came to town, the buzz was palpable, with fans lining up to see her play.

The Sky’s decision to move only the Fever games to the United Center is a direct reflection of the financial draw Clark brings. It’s not about elevating one player over the other; it’s about recognizing where the revenue lies. If Reese had the same draw as Clark, the Sky would likely be upgrading more of their games to larger venues. But that’s simply not the case.

This trend isn’t unique to the Sky. Across the WNBA, teams are making similar moves to cater to Clark’s popularity. The Washington Mystics, Las Vegas Aces, and Atlanta Dream are just a few examples of teams scheduling their games against the Fever in larger arenas. This trend speaks volumes about the economic impact of Caitlin Clark’s presence on the court.

For Reese, this reality may sting, but it’s the truth of the situation. While she continues to promote herself as a key figure in the league’s rise, the numbers tell a different story. When it comes down to filling arenas, the WNBA is looking to the players who generate the most attention and revenue. And right now, Caitlin Clark is that player.

In the end, the move to the United Center isn’t about picking favorites; it’s about maximizing the bottom line. The league and teams are simply following the dollars, and those dollars are firmly in Caitlin Clark’s court.