The basketball stars are stepping up to the WNBA.

Former WNBA player Val Whiting has defended selling Caitlin Clark’s merchandise in sporting good stores instead of Angel Reese, claiming she would not “deserve” to be treated the same.

Clark, the No.1 pick in the WNBA Draft, has signed for the Indiana Fever to mark the beginning of her professional career after stepping up from NCAA team Iowa Hawkeyes.

Angel Reese recognizes the inspiring influence of Candace Parker

The 22-year-old smashed several records during her four-year period with the college program, including taking the all-time points scorer record from Kelsey Plum.

She will be joined in the WNBA by Angel Reese after the power forward, 21, was drafted by the Chicago Sky as a No.7 selection in the first round.

Clark’s Indiana uniform will be available for purchase in Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, an unusual step given she will be a rookie in 2024, but her reputation has apparently increased demand from fans wanting to wear her jersey. However, Reese’s jersey is nowhere to be found despite her growing popularity.

However, Whiting, who played for the likes of Seattle Reign and Minnesota Lynx in her seven-year career, thinks Reese shouldn’t get the same treatment as Clark – as well as dismissing the idea that the decision would be racially motivated.

“Angel Reese definitely would not deserve to have her gear in Dicks. I’d be upset about that too,” she wrote. “There are vets that are PROVEN out here. Don’t minimize every push-back to race. It’s juvenile and short sighted.”

Caitlin Clark praised for seismic impact

It is not only Whiting who believes Clark has had a transformative impact on the women’s game, with WNBA icon and Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes hailing her incredible impact already.

“Caitlin Clark is probably the best shooter, especially in the college game, that I’ve ever seen. I’m not saying there haven’t been others, but that I’ve ever seen,” Swoopes said.

“She has absolutely taken the women’s game to a different level. She’ sbrought more eyes, people who never watched a single game of women’s basketball tuned in because they wanted to see who is this little girl from Iowa shooting these logo 3s.”