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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s Forbes snub caused confusion among fans as three other WNBA stars were recognized by the outlet in the latest iteration of its 30 Under 30 piece
Fans were left to ponder why Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark were snubbed by the Forbes 30 Under 30 edition for 2026.
The latest iteration of the list was recently released, with Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston included in it. Napheesa Collier also was part of the 30 Under 30 list, with the 29-year-old included as part of the three “All-Star Alumni” selection alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Kate Pratt Theobald.
Interestingly, Reese and Calrk were not part of the initial list of stars under 30, leaving fans scratching their heads by the decision. The revelation comes as the WNBA and the players’ association continue to negotiate a new CBA.
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Fans on social media were quick to point out that omitting Reese and Clark was a curious decision to say the least. “Leaving out Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is just silliness,” a fan wrote on X, expressing their dissatisfaction with the outlet for the decision.
Another fan wrote that Forbes had omitted Reese and Clark solely to increase clicks on their article. “At this point it is just baiting so,” the comment read.
In response, a fan noted that Reese and Clark already had been named to Forbes’ list in the past, with the latter being named in the 2025 edition while the former was in the 2023 iteration of the list, joining fellow WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. Still, the original poster believed both players deserved to be included again, though being selected does come with a caveat.
In an article from 2023, Forbes explained how the “30 Under 30” list is compiled each year, with thousands of candidates nominated for the opportunity to be included. That said, Forbes addressed one of the most pressing questions: If a player can be chosen multiple times.
“No. If you’ve made a previous North America, Europe or Asia list, you can not make the list again,” the outlet stated at the time. “However, individuals who have appeared on Under 30 Local lists, as well as Under 30 lists by Forbes licensees (such as Forbes France) are still eligible.”
Overall, Collier, Boston and Bueckers are among the five professional basketball players to have made Forbes’ list this year. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama rounded out the list of basketball players.
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Aside from the WNBA’s representation in Forbes’ list, the league and the players’ association continue to negotiate a new CBA, though it appears as if the two sides are not any closer to a resolution.
The most recent proposal from the WNBA included a seven-figure base maximum salary, but in exchange, the league would remove team housing. Teams have been required to provide players with in-season housing since 2016.
The WNBA also has proposed extending the season, with a start date potentially interfering with other leagues such as Project B and Unrivaled, while also beginning during the NCAA tournament.
It remains to be seen how the two sides will proceed with negotiations after the most recent proposal. The new deadline is now set for Jan. 9, 2026.
