Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and one of the most electrifying young talents in women’s basketball, has once again captured the spotlight by winning the 2025 BET Sportswoman of the Year award. This marks Reese’s second consecutive win and her third overall, solidifying her status as a dominant force in sports and a cultural icon. Her victory came amidst a star-studded field of nominees that included Olympic gold medalists and champions like Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, Dawn Staley, Claressa Shields, A'ja Wilson, and JuJu Watkins.
Reese’s rookie season in the WNBA was nothing short of spectacular. Despite a wrist injury that prematurely ended her campaign, she set a rookie record with 446 rebounds, a mark that was narrowly surpassed by teammate A'ja Wilson, who finished with 451. Moreover, Reese established a new high for the most consecutive double-doubles in a season, posting 15 in a row. Her impact wasn’t confined to the traditional 5-on-5 game; she also made waves in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled 3x3 league. Playing for Rose BC, Reese led her team to the first-ever championship while recording the league’s first 20-20 game, an extraordinary feat in 3x3 basketball. Her defensive prowess earned her the Defensive Player of the Year award in that league, showcasing her all-around dominance.
The WNBA and Chicago Sky were quick to congratulate Reese on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, celebrating her continued rise as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Yet, the celebration was not without controversy. Claressa Shields, the undefeated boxing legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, publicly expressed her surprise and disappointment over Reese’s win. Shields took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the awards ceremony to share her thoughts, writing, “Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other Nominees. I just thought accolades mattered.”
Shields, a 17-time world champion and the only fighter—male or female—to hold all four major world titles simultaneously in two weight classes, has an impressive résumé. In July 2024, she defeated Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse to claim the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight titles. She followed that up with a victory over Danielle Perkins in February 2025 to win the WBA heavyweight belt. These accomplishments add to her storied career, which includes two Olympic gold medals and a reputation as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
The boxer’s comments sparked a lively debate on social media. When fans pointed out Reese’s own accolades, Shields acknowledged them but pushed back, saying, “Yes she does but who has more accolades…. More success in their field. Please use google before responding.” She clarified further, “Ain’t nobody saying Angel Reese don’t have accolades or she not good…. I’m saying I thought the person with ‘THE MOST’ accolades & accomplishments would win the Award. I’m team Angel Reese!” This nuanced stance showed that while Shields felt overlooked, she still supports Reese.
Many fans and commentators noted that the BET Sportswoman of the Year award considers achievements within the past year, which may explain Reese’s edge. Her breakout rookie season, combined with her cultural impact and recent success in the Unrivaled league, likely resonated strongly with voters. Shields’ career, while extraordinary, spans many years, and her recent victories, though significant, may have been weighed differently in this context.
Reese has yet to publicly respond to Shields’ remarks, but the conversation highlights the complexities of comparing athletes across different sports and eras. Both women have made monumental contributions to their respective fields, excelling under different pressures and expectations. Reese’s basketball success and growing influence in women’s sports culture are undeniable, just as Shields’ boxing dominance and historic achievements command respect.
The 2025 BET Awards featured a packed roster of nominees in the Sportswoman of the Year category, including Dawn Staley, A'ja Wilson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, Flau’Jae Johnson, Coco Gauff, and JuJu Watkins. Reese’s win over such a competitive group underscores her rising star power and the momentum she carries in women’s basketball and beyond.
On the men’s side, the Sportsman of the Year award went to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who edged out nominees like Aaron Judge, Anthony Edwards, Deion Sanders, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Saquon Barkley, and Stephen Curry. The awards night celebrated the breadth of athletic excellence across sports, but Reese and Shields’ exchange became one of the most talked-about moments, shining a light on how athletes define and seek recognition.
Despite the public back-and-forth, Shields appeared to enjoy her night at the BET Awards, attending with her boyfriend, rapper Papoose, and sharing moments of gratitude on social media. Her transparency about feeling robbed has sparked important conversations about merit, visibility, and respect in sports awards, particularly when comparing athletes from vastly different disciplines.
As both Angel Reese and Claressa Shields continue their remarkable careers, their achievements will remain a testament to dedication, skill, and resilience. Reese’s growing influence in the WNBA and 3x3 basketball, coupled with Shields’ historic reign in boxing, ensures that both athletes will be central figures in sports conversations for years to come. Whether this moment leads to ongoing rivalry or mutual respect, it undeniably highlights the passionate emotions that come with striving for excellence and recognition on the world stage.
