Angel Reese Continues on Chicago Sky’s Radar
Following a tense season’s end between the Chicago Sky team and its star, Angel Reese, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca confirmed that, for the moment, Reese remains part of the team.
The player, selected at number 7 in the 2024 draft, was suspended for one game after expressing comments considered detrimental to the team. This decision, according to coach Tyler Marsh, was made by the management. Following the announcement, Reese did not participate in the game and the team reported her with a back injury in the last three matches. This raised concerns about a possible breakdown in the relationship between the franchise and the player.Reese publicly apologized and to the team. The organization has expressed its intention to put the incident behind them. The team had a 1-13 record without Reese, who led the WNBA in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), as well as being the team’s top scorer (14.7 points) and in assists (3.7). The frustration with Reese’s situation and the team’s direction manifested in the last game of the season, with fans displaying banners that read “Free Angel” and “Sell the team.” Chants calling for Jeff Pagliocca’s departure were even heard. Chicago Sky has struggled in the last two years, with a record of 13-27 in 2024 and the firing of coach Teresa Weatherspoon after a season. The 2025 season was no better, finishing with one of the worst records in the league (10-34). Part of the dissatisfaction goes back years, as the team, WNBA champion in 2021, has seen several star players leave and has been surpassed in resources and investment. Reese expressed her discontent in an interview, stating that she will not settle for the same and that the team must sign great players for next season or she might consider leaving. Pagliocca admitted that the chants were difficult to hear, but reiterated his commitment to improve and the greatest commitment of resources than in previous years.Angel is a young prospect in this league who has had two very good seasons here in Chicago. We closed that chapter. She spoke with her teammates, she spoke publicly. We move forward as a team. She is a special player. I have good daily conversations with Angel and her team. They are constant and productive.
Jeff Pagliocca
The team suffered several injuries this season, including that of point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a torn ACL seven games into the season. Pagliocca expects Vandersloot to return in 2026: “If she is healthy, she will play basketball here.” In the interview, Reese expressed her concern about the team’s base situation, mentioning the need to find a younger and more experienced player who can compete for a championship. Pagliocca stated that the team is aware that they cannot rely on Vandersloot playing 38 minutes in every game, but that they have a lot of confidence in her.I appreciate that we have passionate fans who want to see us win. We feel the same way. I know I have the full support of ownership. We have great conversations. There is a lot of mutual respect. I have all the respect in the world for Tyler. I think he’s the right man for the job.
Jeff Pagliocca
Pagliocca indicated that, although 2025 represented a step forward in building a better culture, it is essential to improve the roster for Chicago to become a contender again. By 2026, the Sky only has contracts with four players: its two rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as most of the league’s veterans have expiring contracts.Nobody is taking her recovery more seriously than she is. I think she’s more motivated than ever to show the world what she’s capable of. She embodies a lot of this city with her toughness and how she competes and how she behaves, so she’s someone very important to the organization.
Jeff Pagliocca
