SHOCKING CONFIRMATION: Angel Reese Signals Return to Chicago Sky for Year Three.P1

DURHAM, N.C. — After weeks of swirling speculation and an emotionally charged end to her second WNBA season, Angel Reese has finally spoken with clarity about her future. Despite a team-issued suspension and public friction with the franchise, the Chicago Sky star confirmed Friday that she plans to return for her third season. The announcement, delivered from Team USA’s training camp at Duke University, offers short-term stability for Chicago — but raises deeper questions about what comes next.

“I’m under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,” Reese said. Calm, measured, and direct, the statement was unmistakable. She added that she remains in communication with head coach Tyler Marsh and general manager Jeff Pagliocca, emphasizing that those relationships are still being built. For a franchise coming off another lost season, the words land as reassurance — and pressure — all at once.

Reese will be one of just four players under contract for Chicago next season, alongside Kamilla Cardoso, Hailey Van Lith, and Maddy Westbeld. On paper, that core offers promise. In reality, it reflects how much work still lies ahead for a team that finished 10–34, tied for last place in the WNBA.

Individually, Reese’s second season was a step forward. She earned her second consecutive All-Star selection and improved across the board statistically, posting career highs in points, assists, and blocks per game while increasing both her field-goal and free-throw percentages. By nearly every measurable standard, Reese became a more complete and impactful player.

The problem was everything around her.

Chicago’s season unraveled early. Despite aggressive, win-now offseason moves — including trading the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft for a one-year rental of Ariel Atkins — the Sky were effectively eliminated from playoff contention before the All-Star break. The gamble failed, and the frustration spilled into the open.

In September, Reese gave a candid interview to the Chicago Tribune that changed everything. She openly questioned the Sky’s roster construction, saying the team needed better talent but lacked the appeal to attract top free agents. While many fans agreed with her assessment, the organization did not. Reese later apologized to teammates for the fallout, yet the Sky still suspended her for half a game for conduct deemed detrimental to the team.

She never played for Chicago again that season.

Officially, Reese was sidelined by a back injury and listed as a DNP for the remainder of the year. On Friday, she clarified that she had fully recovered by season’s end and is now a full participant at Team USA camp. Unofficially, the silence only fueled doubts about whether she had already played her last game in a Sky uniform.

Those doubts were not unfounded. Chicago has a long history of stars forcing their way out while still under contract — Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and most recently Kahleah Copper all found exits when alignment with the franchise broke down. Reese’s contract status alone was never a guarantee of loyalty.

That’s what makes her statement so significant — and so fragile.

Reese has not softened her expectations. She wants to play alongside elite talent. She wants to compete for championships. And she’s now experiencing exactly that environment at Team USA camp, sharing the floor with the best players in the country. The contrast with Chicago is impossible to ignore.

For now, Reese’s commitment buys the Sky time. It gives the franchise breathing room, credibility, and a chance to sell hope. But it also places the organization squarely on the clock.

Because Angel Reese is coming back — and if the direction of the Sky doesn’t change soon, the next announcement may not sound nearly as reassuring.