Angel Reese has just dropped a bombshell on the basketball world. The Chicago Sky forward, who dominated Unrivaled’s inaugural season and led Rose BC to its first-ever championship, will not return for the league’s 2026 campaign. The decision — coming from one of the league’s brightest stars and its reigning Defensive Player of the Year — has left fans reeling and the league scrambling to fill the void left by one of its biggest attractions.
Sources close to Reese confirmed the 22-year-old phenom has decided to skip Unrivaled next season, focusing instead on off-court opportunities and her growing brand empire. “She’s got a lot on her plate,” one insider revealed. “Between the WNBA, endorsements, and her rising presence in fashion and media, something had to give.”
Indeed, it’s been a whirlwind offseason for the “Bayou Barbie.” From walking the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to sharing an unfiltered behind-the-scenes vlog on her Unapologetically Angel podcast channel, Reese has been everywhere — just not on the court. Her fans have praised her for branching out, but many didn’t expect her to step away from a league she helped define.
“Angel Reese skipping Unrivaled? That’s a major loss,” one fan wrote on social media. “She was the show last year. No one brought the energy and attitude like her.”
The timing of the announcement only amplified the shock. On October 30, Unrivaled officially finalized its roster for the 2026 season, revealing the last three players to complete its eight-team lineup — and Reese’s name was nowhere to be found. The league, which made waves in its debut year for blending entertainment and elite competition, will return to Miami in January without its biggest headline act.
Filling the void, however, are several rising stars ready to seize the spotlight. Among them is Dominique Malonga, the 6-foot-6 French sensation and No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. At just 19, Malonga impressed fans with her athleticism and versatility during her rookie season with the Seattle Storm, averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game — good enough to earn her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Her addition to Unrivaled instantly injects new intrigue and international flair into the upcoming season.
Also joining the roster is Aari McDonald, who spent part of last year battling back from a fractured foot that cut her WNBA season short. The Indiana Fever guard, signed under a hardship contract last year, is now healthy and eager to prove she belongs among the game’s elite. And rounding out the trio is Rebecca Allen, the veteran Australian sharpshooter who suited up for the Chicago Sky last season and will bring valuable experience — and leadership — to the court.
Meanwhile, the league also confirmed that DiJonai Carrington, who had been expected to play this season, will miss significant time after suffering a left midfoot sprain during the Minnesota Lynx’s postseason run.
Still, even with these new additions, the absence of Angel Reese looms large. Her competitive fire, charisma, and unapologetic authenticity were key ingredients in Unrivaled’s early success. Without her, the league loses not just a dominant player — but a cultural force.
As one commentator put it bluntly: “Angel Reese isn’t just a player. She’s a movement. And when she steps away, people notice.”
Whether this break is temporary or signals a long-term shift in focus remains to be seen. For now, Reese seems content to let her actions — and her silence — speak louder than words.
And with Unrivaled gearing up for its second season in Miami, one thing’s certain: the spotlight she left behind will be nearly impossible to fill.
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