Chicago, IL – The future of WNBA star Angel Reese with the Chicago Sky has been a subject of intense speculation, but General Manager Jeff Pagliocca has firmly stated that Reese is part of the team’s plans. “Angel Reese will be on the Chicago Sky’s roster until I hear differently,” Pagliocca declared on Friday, aiming to quell ongoing rumors and uncertainties surrounding the prominent player. This assertion comes after a turbulent end to the Sky’s 2025 season, marked by controversy, injuries, and a dismal team record.
The Controversy and Suspension
The recent friction began when Angel Reese made critical comments about the Chicago Sky’s talent and front office in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. These statements were deemed “detrimental to the team,” leading the Sky to suspend the star forward for the first half of a game on September 7 against the Las Vegas Aces. The suspension was separate from a mandatory one-game ban Reese served earlier for accumulating her eighth technical foul of the season. Following the controversial remarks and subsequent suspension, Reese did not play in the team’s final three games, officially being sidelined with a back injury. This situation fueled further speculation about her long-term commitment to the franchise.
Pagliocca’s Stance and Team Performance
Despite the offseason drama, General Manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized Reese’s value as an “ascending young talent” and expressed optimism about moving forward. He highlighted that he has “good conversations with Angel daily, with her team daily. They’re constant, and they’re productive.” Pagliocca also reaffirmed his commitment, along with ownership’s support, to improving the team and coaching staff under head coach Tyler Marsh. The Chicago Sky concluded the 2025 season with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, finishing 10-34. Their struggles were amplified when they went 1-13 without Reese, who notably led the league in rebounding (12.6 per game) and double-doubles (23), while also pacing the team in scoring (14.7 points) and assists (3.7). The team’s overall performance since drafting Reese seventh overall in 2024 has been a significant challenge, with a combined record of 23 wins in 84 games over her tenure.
Background and Future Outlook
Reese, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been a bright spot statistically for the Sky, consistently delivering strong individual performances despite the team’s collective struggles. Her rookie season saw her set numerous rebounding records, and she continued to be a dominant force in her second year. However, her candidness about the team’s need for improvement and acquisition of “great players” highlighted a growing frustration with the team’s lack of competitive success. The Sky also dealt with significant injuries, including losing point guard Courtney Vandersloot early in the season, which further hampered their efforts. As the offseason begins, the focus will be on addressing roster deficiencies and fostering a more cohesive team environment. Pagliocca acknowledged the need to “absolutely improve the roster” and indicated that more resources would be available for offseason improvements than in previous years. The team currently has only four players under contract for 2026, including Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, as many veteran contracts are expiring.
Fan Reaction and Team Commitment
The tumultuous season and the public dispute between Reese and the organization did not go unnoticed by fans. During the final game of the season, some supporters displayed signs such as “Free Angel” and “Sell the Team,” with others chanting “Fire Jeff,” targeting the general manager. Nevertheless, Pagliocca stated he has “full support from ownership” and that there is “a lot of mutual respect.” The commitment is to rebuild and return the Chicago Sky to a competitive level, with Angel Reese’s role as a central piece seemingly affirmed by the team’s leadership, provided no further significant developments occur.
