This was supposed to be a triumphant return. A coronation. A sold-out celebration of one of LSU’s most iconic athletes.

But when Angel Reese stepped onto the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for her professional homecoming with the Chicago Sky, the reality was impossible to ignore:

The stands were half-empty.

In an arena that holds over 13,000 fans, just 6,373 showed up. The upper bowl remained closed. Entire sections of the lower bowl were filled with purple seats—not people.

And for a player who recently declared, “People watch women’s basketball because of me, too,” the optics couldn’t have been worse.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Tickets were selling for as low as $15. This wasn’t a pricing issue. It wasn’t a scheduling problem. This was a test of star power—and Angel Reese’s failed to deliver.

To reach 50% capacity in that arena, they needed 6,667 fans. They came up short by nearly 300. The tight camera angles during the broadcast couldn’t hide it. Social media certainly didn’t.

“Yo… it’s empty in there,” one user posted.
“Reese can’t even fill her own house,” said another.

Photos began circulating online. Row after row of vacant seats. The upper level closed off. Even courtside looked thin.

The Hype vs. The Reality

This wasn’t just any preseason game. This was Reese’s return to the arena where she became a champion. Where she built her brand. Where she became a household name.

The expectation? Thunderous cheers. Standing ovations. Packed stands.

The reality? A crowd smaller than many regular season LSU games.

And all of it clashed with Reese’s own narrative.

“I’ll look back in 20 years and say people watched because of me too.”

But if fans couldn’t be bothered to show up to welcome her back, what does that say about the truth behind that statement?

The Caitlin Clark Contrast

While Reese was met with indifference at her own alma mater, another rookie was making headlines of her own.

Caitlin Clark.

Clark’s preseason debut with the Indiana Fever at Carver-Hawkeye Arena? Sold out in 27 minutes.

Tickets vanished faster than some playoff games. Resale prices soared past $500. Fans lined up hours before tipoff. It felt more like a championship than an exhibition.

This wasn’t just about basketball. This was about gravity—Clark’s ability to draw, to engage, to convert casual observers into devoted followers.

So Where Were Angel’s Fans?

Reese has millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Brands line up to work with her. She’s been a media darling since LSU’s championship run.

But when it came time to fill seats in her biggest homecoming moment, the digital following didn’t translate into real-world support.

“They’ll like her selfies,” one LSU alum tweeted, “but they won’t show up to watch her play.”

It’s a harsh reality. But one the numbers make impossible to ignore.

Social Media vs. Real Impact

Caitlin Clark didn’t claim to be the face of women’s basketball. She let the arenas speak for her. Every venue she enters—sold out. Every game—must-see.

Angel Reese claimed she was also the reason people tune in. But the empty seats at LSU say otherwise.

And fans noticed the discrepancy.

“You can’t claim to be the needle mover and not even hit 50% attendance at your own school,” wrote one sports analyst.

Was It Just a Bad Night?

Some Reese supporters argue this was just a preseason game. That people weren’t motivated because it didn’t count.

But that argument doesn’t hold when compared to Clark’s preseason turnout.

Same week. Similar setting. One sells out instantly. The other can’t fill half a gym.

And Reese’s mom weighing in on social media didn’t help. Instead of addressing the turnout, she took a swipe at Clark fans—a deflection that only added fuel to the fire.

A Harsh Spotlight

Angel Reese’s college success is undeniable. She helped LSU win a title. She elevated the program. She became a recognizable name.

But professional basketball is a different game. It’s not just about flash or followers. It’s about drawing fans, moving markets, and selling tickets.

And right now, Reese is learning that hard truth.

“This wasn’t just a preseason game,” said one former WNBA executive. “This was a reality check.”

Final Word

Angel Reese is still a talented athlete with a promising future. But the idea that she is on par with Caitlin Clark in terms of draw? It’s not backed by evidence.

Her homecoming at LSU was supposed to be her moment. Instead, it became a headline for all the wrong reasons.

Empty seats don’t lie. And neither do fans.

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