Angel Reese’s Future with the Chicago Sky: General Manager’s Statements
After a tense season finale between the Chicago Sky and its star, Angel Reese, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca declared on Friday that, for the moment, Reese remains part of the team. Reese, selected at number 7 in the 2024 draft, was suspended for half a game after expressing comments that the team considered detrimental. This decision was made by senior management, according to coach Tyler Marsh. Following the announcement, Reese did not play for the Sky. The team cited a back injury to justify her absence in the last three games, raising concerns about a possible rift in the relationship between the franchise and the star player.The two-time All-Star publicly and privately apologized to the team. The organization has expressed its desire to put the incident behind them. Without Reese, who led the league in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), as well as being the team’s top scorer (14.7 points) and assists (3.7), the Sky had a 1-13 record this season. The frustration with Reese’s situation and the overall direction of the team manifested itself in the last game of the season, with fans displaying banners with messages like “Free Angel” and “Sell the team.” There were chants of “Out Jeff.” The Sky have struggled in the last two years, with a 13-27 record in 2024 and the firing of coach Teresa Weatherspoon after a season. The 2025 season did not improve, with Chicago tying for the worst record in the league (10-34). Dissatisfaction has deeper roots, as the Sky, WNBA champion in 2021, has seen several star players leave the franchise and is generally considered to be behind other teams in terms of resources and investment. Reese expressed similar sentiments, saying she wouldn’t settle for the same and that the team must sign big players in the offseason, or she would consider leaving. Pagliocca admitted that the chants were difficult to hear, but reiterated his commitment to improve and that there is a greater commitment of resources than in previous years.“Angel is a talented young player on the rise in this league who has had two very good seasons here in Chicago,” Pagliocca stated. “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, General Manager of the Chicago Sky
The Sky suffered several injuries this season, with the most significant being that of point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a torn ACL after seven games. Pagliocca expects Vandersloot, a significant free agency addition, to return in 2026. “If she’s healthy, she’ll play basketball here,” he stated. Reese expressed concern about the Sky’s base situation, stating that they cannot depend on 36-year-old Vandersloot and that they need a younger, more experienced player. Pagliocca said the team is aware that it cannot depend on Vandersloot playing 38 minutes each game, but that the organization still has a lot of faith in her. Pagliocca also mentioned that the team needs to improve the roster, as they currently only have four players under contract for 2026: Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and two rookies.“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’s a lot of mutual respect. I have all the respect in the world for Tyler. I think he’s the right person for the job.”
Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of the Chicago Sky
