The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced its 2025 regular season schedule, and fans are already buzzing about the highly anticipated rematch between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and Angel Reese's Chicago Sky. The two teams will face off on May 17th, just one day after the league's opening games, setting the stage for an exciting start to the season.

This rivalry, which began during their college years at Iowa and LSU, respectively, has quickly become a focal point of the WNBA. Last season, Clark edged out Reese for Rookie of the Year honors, setting multiple league and rookie records in the process. Reese, however, made a significant impact in her own right, earning an All-Star selection and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.

The Fever and Sky met four times last season, each game filled with anticipation and intense competition. While the Fever won three of those matchups, Reese often outperformed Clark in points and rebounds. Clark, however, consistently led in assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities.

Several on-court incidents last season added fuel to the rivalry. A flagrant foul by Sky player Chennedy Carter on Clark early in the season sparked controversy and debate. Later, a hard foul by Reese on Clark further intensified the rivalry, though both players downplayed the incident as unintentional.

Both Clark and Reese have achieved a level of fame that extends beyond the basketball court, contributing significantly to the growth of women's basketball and women's sports in general. Reese acknowledged the impact of the 2023 NCAA championship game between LSU and Iowa, stating that it "changed my life forever." She also addressed the sometimes negative attention that comes with increased visibility, mentioning the presence of disrespectful and racially charged comments from some fans.

The WNBA's decision to schedule an early-season matchup between the Fever and Sky underscores the league's recognition of the excitement and fan interest surrounding this rivalry. In addition to the Clark-Reese matchup, the 2025 season will also feature the debut of the Golden State Valkyries, who will play their inaugural game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16th. The defending champion New York Liberty will celebrate their title with a ring ceremony on May 17th before facing the Las Vegas Aces. The Fever and Sky will meet a total of five times during the 2025 season.