Angel Reese gained national notoriety while leading LSU women's basketball to its first national championship in program history in 2023. The Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA tournament burst onto the WNBA scene with a record-setting rookie campaign for the Chicago Sky in 2024,

Allen's recognition of Clark and Reese's significant influence highlights the rookie class's role in enhancing the WNBA's prominence and audience involvement. The rookies have sparked conversations ranging from their gameplay to cultural impact, captivating fans similarly to the legendary NBA rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

The Connecticut Sun defeated Chicago Sky Thursday to secure the No. 3 WNBA playoff seed and eliminate the Sky from postseason contention.