Sky Confirms: Angel Reese Stays Despite Tensions and Rumors

Angel Reese’s Situation at Chicago Sky: Deep Analysis

Following a tense end of season between the Chicago Sky and their star, Angel Reese, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has stated that, for the moment, Reese remains part of the team. This statement comes after a series of events that have tested the relationship between the franchise and the player.

Reese, selected at number 7 in the 2024 draft, was suspended for one and a half games after making comments that the franchise considered “detrimental to the team.” This internal decision, according to coach Tyler Marsh, came from senior management. The player did not participate in the matches following this announcement, and the team reported her with a back injury in the last three games. This generated concern about a possible fracture in the relationship between the star and the franchise.

“Angel is a rising young talent in this league who has had two very good seasons here in Chicago. We went through what we went through. I feel like 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 conversations with Angel and her team on a daily basis. They are constant and productive.”

Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of Chicago Sky

Reese publicly and privately apologized to the team. The organization has stated its intention to move past the incident. In the season without Reese, the Sky had a 1-13 record. The player led the WNBA in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), as well as being the team’s top scorer with 14.7 points and 3.7 assists. 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 calling for the departure of certain figures from the team. 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, finishing with one of the worst records in the league (10-34). The dissatisfaction goes back years, as the Sky, WNBA champions in 2021, have seen several star players leave and have been surpassed in resources and investment. Reese expressed his discontent, indicating that he will not be satisfied with this year’s results and that the team must improve its roster in the offseason, otherwise he might consider other options. Pagliocca mentioned that the chants were “difficult to hear”, but reiterated his commitment to improve and that there is a greater commitment to resources than in previous years.

“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 is the man for the job.”

Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of Chicago Sky

The Sky suffered several significant injuries this year, including that of point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a torn ACL seven games into the season. Pagliocca expects Vandersloot to return in 2026. In an interview, Reese expressed her concern about the team’s base situation, pointing out the need for a younger and more experienced player. Pagliocca indicated that the team is aware that they cannot depend on Vandersloot playing 38 minutes each game, but that they trust her. Pagliocca stated that although 2025 was a step forward in building a better culture, it is “absolutely necessary to improve the roster” for Chicago to become a contender again. The Sky only have four players under contract for 2026, including their two rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as most of the league’s veterans have contracts expiring pending a new collective bargaining agreement.