Chicago Sky All-Star Angel Reese may have already played her final game with the team.
The standout forward, drafted seventh overall by Chicago in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been sidelined since her first-half suspension for “statements detrimental to the team” during the Sky’s 80-66 loss to the Aces on Sunday, compounded by an ongoing back injury.
Reese, who previously sat out seven games in July with the same issue, was unavailable for Tuesday’s matchup against Las Vegas and is uncertain to play in Chicago’s regular-season finale against the Liberty on Thursday night.
Reese spoke publicly about the Sky’s locker room, and the organization chose to back the team — a group that includes franchise icon Courtney Vandersloot along with veterans Elizabeth Williams, Michaela Onyenwere, Rebecca Allen, Kia Nurse, and Rachel Banham.
The future between Reese and the Sky remains uncertain, despite her status as the presumed cornerstone of the franchise.
Some speculate that Reese may eventually request a trade from Chicago, with others suggesting her absence could be a form of protest against the fractured relationship.
The Reebok athlete still has two years remaining on her rookie contract before becoming a restricted free agent.
At his post-game press conference, Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh was asked what had changed after he previously appeared optimistic about Reese playing on Tuesday.
“Yeah, that was the thought, similar to the last game,” Marsh said. “But after warmups, she told us she just wasn’t feeling it physically. She reported the pain, and we weren’t going to hold her back.”
Angel Reese (#5) of the Chicago Sky arrives at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, ahead of the game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 9, 2025.
Several WNBA players have commented on Reese’s remarks.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stressed the importance of safeguarding the locker room.
“It’s not ideal. There are just some things you can’t say,” Cunningham said on her Show Me Something podcast. “I’m very team-first. I always put the team ahead of my own feelings, and I think that should be the standard. You have to protect your locker room.”
