Angel Reese remains on the Chicago Sky roster, according to the general manager
After a tense end of season between the Chicago Sky and their star Angel Reese, general manager Jeff Pagliocca affirmed that, until informed otherwise, Reese will remain 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 to the team. This decision was made by the organization, according to coach Tyler Marsh. Reese did not play for the Sky after the announcement and the team listed her with a back injury for the last three games. This generated concern about a possible fracture in the relationship between the franchise and its star.The two-time All-Star apologized publicly and privately to the team. The organization has expressed its intention to put the incident behind them. The Sky had a 1-13 record this season without Reese, who led the league in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), as well as leading the team in scoring (14.7 PPG) and assists (3.7). The frustration with Reese’s situation and the direction of the franchise manifested itself in the last game of the season, with some fans displaying signs that said “Free Angel” and “Sell the team”, and even chanting “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. 2025 was no better, with Chicago tying the worst record in the league, 10-34. Part of the dissatisfaction goes back years, as the Sky, WNBA champions in 2021, have seen several star players leave the franchise and are generally considered less favored in terms of resources and investment. Reese expressed similar sentiments, saying she wouldn’t settle for the same as this year and that the team “has to get big players” this offseason or she might consider leaving. Pagliocca said the chants were “difficult to hear” but reiterated his commitment to improve things, 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,” said Pagliocca. “Obviously, we went through what we went through. I feel like we closed the chapter. She spoke with her teammates, she spoke publicly. We are moving 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 the Chicago Sky
The Sky suffered a series of injuries this year that limited their potential, with the most significant being the loss of point guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the first seven games of the season. Pagliocca expects Vandersloot, his main offseason signing, to be back in 2026. “If she’s healthy, she’ll play basketball here,” he affirmed. In the mentioned article, Reese expressed her concern about the situation of the Sky’s base, saying that they cannot depend on Vandersloot due to her age and that they need someone younger and with experience who is willing to compete for a championship. Pagliocca said the team knows it can’t rely on Vandersloot to play 38 minutes in every game, but the organization still has “a lot of confidence in her”. “No one is taking her recovery more seriously than her,” Pagliocca said. “I think she’s more motivated than ever to show the world who she is and what she’s capable of… She embodies a lot of this city with her toughness and how she competes, so she’s someone very important to the organization.” Pagliocca said that while 2025 was a step forward in building a better culture, “they absolutely need to improve the roster” as the Sky look to become contenders in the WNBA again. The Sky only have four players under contract — their two rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso — for 2026, as most of the league’s veterans have contracts expiring in anticipation of a new collective bargaining agreement.“I appreciate that we have passionate fans who want to see us win,” Pagliocca said. “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 respect Tyler a lot. I think he’s the right person for the job.”
Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of the Chicago Sky
