Chicago Sky Turmoil: Angel Reese’s Comments, a Half-Game Suspension, and a Franchise in Question
As any Chicago sports fan knows, it doesn’t take long for frustration to bubble up—whether at the beginning of a season, or especially at the end of one. The city has a long tradition of demanding accountability from its teams. Now, the spotlight is squarely on the Chicago Sky.
The Sky’s season ended with a brutal record of 10-34 (.227), the second-worst finish in team history. The only year more dismal was their inaugural 2006 campaign, when they stumbled to 5-29 (.147). Since then, in 18 seasons, the Sky have never dipped this low—always maintaining at least a .325 winning percentage. But in 2025, the bottom fell out again.
Into that void of disappointment stepped Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie” and one of the brightest personalities in the league. Reese spoke bluntly to the Chicago Tribune, refusing to mask her dissatisfaction.
“I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” Reese said. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. … The priority is being able to convince (free agents) that this is an organization going in the right direction.”
Reese went further, touching on the issue of veteran reliance and the urgent need to build for the future. “We can’t rely on Courtney (Vandersloot) to come back at the age that she’s at. I know she’ll be a great asset for us, but we can’t rely on that. We need someone probably a little younger with some experience—somebody who’s been playing the game, willing to compete for a championship, and has done it before.”
The comments landed like a thunderclap. The organization responded by suspending Reese for half a game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 7. The punishment struck many as unusual—so minor it felt more symbolic than substantive. Fans quickly took to social media, questioning not only the decision but the organization as a whole. Some went as far as to call the Sky “the worst run” franchise in the WNBA.
The contrast with other disciplinary cases was not lost on observers. Jimmy Butler, for example, faced multiple-game suspensions in late 2024 and early 2025 for his public remarks about wanting out of Miami. By comparison, Reese’s half-game suspension felt more like a public relations maneuver than a serious disciplinary action.
But Reese’s case is not isolated. Past players have spoken out about the Sky’s infrastructure and culture. Kahleah Copper, the 2021 Finals MVP, requested a trade and later emphasized how liberating it was to focus “only on basketball” with the Phoenix Mercury. Courtney Williams, a guard who spent 2023 with the Sky, said on a StudBudz stream that the team practiced at a public recreation facility—sharing locker rooms and showers with everyday gym-goers.
The Sky have announced that their own practice facility will finally open in 2026—two decades after their founding. For a professional franchise, the delay raises eyebrows and feeds the narrative of mismanagement.
Reese herself later softened her stance, clarifying that her words were taken out of context and that she never intended to disparage her teammates. She noted that they, too, have endured the same frustrations. Importantly, Reese’s apology came before the suspension was announced—adding to the perception that the team’s disciplinary move was less about resolution and more about optics.
At its core, the issue goes beyond Reese’s candid remarks. It’s about an organization still wrestling with its identity. Are the Sky committed to building a contender, or are they content to patch holes and deflect criticism? Fans have heard promises before, yet the results on the floor—and behind the scenes—suggest systemic shortcomings.
Yes, Reese could have brought her concerns to management privately. Yes, the Sky could have handled the fallout with less defensiveness. But sometimes, it takes a voice from inside—raw and unfiltered—to expose the cracks in the foundation.
Chicago fans have endured plenty across their sports landscape. They demand better. They expect accountability. And when the same frustrations are voiced by the very athletes carrying the jersey, the questions can no longer be ignored.
For Angel Reese, the risk of speaking out may have brought consequences. But it may also be the spark that forces change. For the Sky, the message is clear: it’s no longer enough to promise improvement. After one of the worst seasons in franchise history, they must decide whether to truly rebuild—or risk becoming the cautionary tale of the WNBA.
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