Clark and Reese dominate on the international stage, showcasing their influence beyond branding and solidifying their game-changing presence in women's basketball.
Women’s basketball is growing at a never-before-seen rate, and Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese sit right at the center of that surge.
Both stars were named to Complex’s list of the most influential female athletes of 2026, a recognition that reflects their impact far beyond the box score.
But this isn’t just about branding or popularity. It is about production, timing, and how both players are translating influence into performance on the international stage.
Currently representing Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, Clark and Reese are getting their first taste of senior national team basketball, and both have delivered.
Clark, in particular, has looked completely at home. The Indiana Fever guard earned her first start against New Zealand and finished with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, along with six assists, two steals, and two three-pointers in just 23 minutes.
Across the tournament, she has been one of the most productive guards, averaging 12.8 points and a team-leading 6.3 assists per game while spacing the floor and controlling tempo.
Reese’s role has been different, but no less impactful.
Coming off the bench in most games, the Chicago Sky forward has embraced a utility role and dominated the glass. She is averaging 7.5 points on an efficient 61.1% shooting while leading the entire tournament in rebounding at 8.0 boards per game.
Add in her defensive presence, with steals and blocks in limited minutes, and Reese has carved out a clear identity within a stacked roster.
That balance is exactly what Team USA demands. And it reinforces the point Reese herself made earlier, that not everyone will score 20 points, but everyone must find a way to contribute.
Their performances have not gone unnoticed.
Both Clark and Reese have been named among the tournament’s MVP candidates, alongside teammates like Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, and Jackie Young. It is a reflection of both individual output and how seamlessly they have adapted to the international game.
That is where the Complex recognition gains more weight.
Clark’s influence is rooted in her ability to bend defenses and draw global attention to the game. Reese’s influence comes from presence, personality, and physical dominance. But what this tournament is showing is that both can scale their games to fit winning environments.
That matters because influence without winning eventually fades. What Clark and Reese are doing right now is aligning both.
Team USA remains unbeaten heading into its final matchup against Spain, and while the results will matter, the bigger takeaway is already clear. The future of women’s basketball is not waiting.
It is already performing on the biggest stages, and Clark and Reese are leading that charge.