Rumors and Statements: Angel Reese’s Future with the Chicago Sky
Following a tense end to the season between the Chicago Sky and its star player, Angel Reese, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca stated that, for now, the player is part of the team.
Reese, selected at the number 7 position in the 2024 draft, was suspended for one game after making comments that the franchise considered detrimental. This decision, according to coach Tyler Marsh, came from upper management. The player did not participate in the remaining matches of the season, and the team listed her with a back injury. This generated concern about a possible rift in the relationship between the star and the franchise.The two-time All-Star publicly and privately apologized to the team. The organization has expressed its desire to move past the incident. The Sky went 1-13 this season 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 frustration with Reese’s situation and the overall direction of the team became evident in the last game of the season, with fans displaying banners calling for “Freedom for Angel” and “Sell the team.” Chants calling for the dismissal of Jeff Pagliocca were also heard. The team has struggled in the last two years, with a 13-27 record in 2024 and the firing of coach Teresa Weatherspoon after a season. 2025 was no better, finishing tied for the worst record in the league, 10-34. Dissatisfaction has deeper roots, as the Sky, WNBA champion in 2021, has seen several stars leave and has been surpassed in resources and investment. Reese expressed in an interview her discontent, stating that she will not settle for the same and that the team must sign great players in the offseason. Pagliocca acknowledged 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 rising young talent 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 Sky suffered several significant injuries, 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 here,” he said. In the interview, Reese expressed his concern about the situation of the base, mentioning the need for a younger and more experienced replacement. Pagliocca stated that the team cannot depend on Vandersloot playing 38 minutes in every game, but they trust her.I am grateful to have passionate fans who want to see us win. We feel the same way. I have the support of ownership. We have good conversations. There is a lot of mutual respect. I respect Tyler a lot, I think he’s the right man for the job.
Jeff Pagliocca
Pagliocca also said that although 2025 was a step forward in building a better culture, “they absolutely need to improve the roster” as Chicago looks to become a contender again. The Sky only have four players under contract for 2026: their two rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as most of the league’s veterans have contracts expiring in anticipation of a new collective bargaining agreement.Nobody takes their recovery more seriously than her. 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, she’s someone very important to the organization.
Jeff Pagliocca
