Angel Reese Sparks Controversy After NCAA Viewership Plunge: “Little Girls Don’t Like Us Because of What We Look Like”

In a headline-making moment following the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four, WNBA star and former LSU standout Angel Reese is under fire after making bold and emotionally charged remarks in response to the tournament’s staggering 71% drop in viewership compared to the record-breaking 2023 season.

During a recent podcast appearance, Reese didn’t mince words when addressing what she believes to be a deeper, uncomfortable truth behind the sharp ratings decline.

“Let’s be real. A lot of these little girls out there used to cheer for us until they saw that we didn’t look like them — and suddenly, they stopped watching. That’s racism, plain and simple,” Reese said.

The quote immediately went viral, drawing both fierce criticism and passionate support from across the sports and media landscape.

📉 From Record Highs to Ratings Crash

The 2023 NCAA Women’s Final Four — headlined by the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry — shattered records with over 10 million viewers and propelled women’s college basketball into a new era of mainstream visibility.

Fast forward to 2025, and the magic seems to have faded. Ratings reportedly dropped by 71%, according to Nielsen data, prompting widespread discussion about what went wrong.

Many cited the absence of familiar stars like Caitlin Clark, who has since transitioned to the WNBA, as a key factor. Others pointed to inconsistent marketing and a diluted story arc heading into the Final Four.

But Angel Reese’s take struck a far more provocative chord — one that dives into race, image, and public perception of Black female athletes.

🔥 Backlash and Support Divide the Internet

Within hours of her comment, social media was ablaze with divided reactions. Critics accused Reese of “playing the race card” and alienating potential fans. Some sports commentators called her remarks “reckless” and “divisive,” suggesting she was shifting blame rather than addressing the structural issues facing women’s sports.

Yet many others, including current and former athletes, rallied behind her.

“Angel Reese said what a lot of Black athletes have felt for years,” tweeted WNBA legend Lisa Leslie.
“This isn’t about hate — it’s about calling out double standards.”

Even Billie Jean King, a pioneer for women in sports, weighed in diplomatically, saying:

“We must listen to all perspectives, especially when they come from players who are shaping the future of the game.”

🏀 Angel’s Legacy: Role Model or Rebel?

Reese has always been a polarizing figure — unapologetically confident, outspoken, and proudly herself. From taunting opponents in championship games to gracing the cover of Vogue, she has redefined what it means to be a women’s basketball star in the social media age.

But this latest controversy raises the question: Is she starting a much-needed conversation, or is she hurting the sport she helped elevate?

👧🏽 The “Little Girls” at the Center of It All

Perhaps the most poignant part of Reese’s comments is her reference to “little girls.” The idea that young fans may unconsciously turn away from players who don’t reflect their own image is one that opens up broader debates about representation, beauty standards, and racial dynamics in women’s sports.

“Who we celebrate says everything about who we value,” said one viral TikTok response from a sports culture analyst. “If the ratings drop when the faces change — we have to ask ourselves why.”

🎯 Final Word

Whether you agree or disagree with Angel Reese, one thing is clear: she has never been afraid to speak her truth — even when it costs her popularity points.

In a world where athletes are often expected to “stick to the game,” Reese once again reminds us that sports, race, and culture are deeply intertwined — and that silence is not always an option.

The conversation isn’t over — and maybe that’s the point.