Chicago Sky Mismanagement Puts Angel Reese at the Center of Team Turmoil
CHICAGO — When the Chicago Sky selected Angel Reese with the No. 7 overall pick in last year’s WNBA draft, expectations were sky-high. Hailed as one of the most celebrated college players in years, Reese was seen as a potential franchise-changer, bringing explosive athleticism, elite rebounding, and celebrity-level attention to the organization. On the court, she has delivered: two-time All-Star honors and league-leading rebounding in both seasons highlight a player living up to her promise…
Off the court, however, the narrative has been far less smooth. The Sky missed the playoffs last season and finished 2025 with the joint-worst record in the WNBA alongside the Dallas Wings. Frustrations boiled over when Reese publicly suggested that the team “have to get good players … have to get great players” and hinted at seeking a trade if roster improvements didn’t occur. While she later apologized, saying, “I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates,” the Sky responded with a half-game suspension for “statements detrimental to the team”…
The suspension ignited a social media firestorm. Fans rallied behind Reese, waving “Free Angel Reese” signs at the final home game and demanding accountability from general manager Jeff Pagliocca. Many criticized the decision as petty and tone-deaf, particularly given that Reese’s statements echoed what Pagliocca himself later admitted about the need for better roster construction. The message to fans and players was unmistakable: when Reese speaks out, it’s insubordination; when management says the same, it’s acceptable…
This controversy is merely the latest example of longstanding dysfunction within the Sky organization. Chicago has a history of running off top talent: Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, and Courtney Vandersloot all left frustrated. Journalists and insiders, including WNBA reporter Trysta Krick, have highlighted persistent problems ranging from mismanagement to racial tensions. Reese, one of the league’s brightest young stars, has felt the impact firsthand. She described the firing of coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who she said “truly believed in me,” as “heartbreaking”…
Poor roster decisions have compounded the dysfunction. The Sky passed on rookie standout Sonia Citron, trading her rights and a future first-round pick for veteran Ariel Atkins, who may leave in free agency. Meanwhile, Reese and other young talents, including Kamilla Cardoso, Hailey Van Lith, and Maddy Westbeld, struggled through another disappointing season. Analysts argue that Chicago has repeatedly squandered opportunities to construct a championship-caliber roster, leaving fans and players alike frustrated…
The question now looms: where will Reese go next? Fantasy scenarios abound, pairing her with elite stars like Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings or Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever. While speculation runs rampant, the underlying point is clear—Reese has options. At only 21, she has proven herself as a dominant force and deserves an organization that matches her ambition with support, stability, and respect…
If Reese decides to leave Chicago, few will be surprised. The blame does not fall on her; it lies with an organization that seems intent on mismanaging its best talent. For a player of Reese’s caliber, the stakes are high: she can shape not only her own career but the future of whichever team chooses to embrace her. Chicago Sky, meanwhile, risks another season of frustration if lessons are not learned…
Leave a Reply