Angel Reese and the Future of the Sky: General Manager’s Statements
Following a tense end to the season between the Chicago Sky and their star player, Angel Reese, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has stated that, for now, Reese remains 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”. The player did not participate in the game following the announcement and the team listed her with a back injury for the last three games, raising concerns about the relationship between the star and the franchise.Reese apologized publicly and privately to the team. The organization has expressed its desire to put the incident behind them. In the season without Reese, the team had a 1-13 record. Reese led the WNBA in rebounds per game (12.6) and double-doubles (23), as well as being the team leader in scoring (14.7 points) and assists (3.7). The frustration with Reese’s situation and the direction of the franchise became evident in the last game of the season, with some fans displaying signs that read “Free Angel” and “Sell 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, with Chicago tied for the worst record in the league, 10-34. Pagliocca said the chants were “difficult to hear”, but reiterated his commitment to improve things and that there is a greater commitment to 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 the chapter. She spoke with her teammates. She spoke publicly. We move forward as a team. She is a special player.
Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of the Chicago Sky
The Sky suffered several injuries that affected their performance, with the most significant being the loss of point guard Courtney Vandersloot due to a torn ACL. Pagliocca expects Vandersloot, his main offseason signing, to return in 2026. In an article, Reese expressed his concern about the situation of the Sky’s base, stating that the team needs quality players, and that otherwise, he might consider leaving. Pagliocca acknowledged that the team cannot depend on Vandersloot to play 38 minutes each game, but that the organization still has “a lot of faith in her”. Pagliocca also stated 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 have only four players under contract for 2026, including their two rookies, Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as most of the league’s veterans have expiring contracts.I am grateful to 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 there.
Jeff Pagliocca, General Manager of the Chicago Sky
