The Chicago Sky’s 2025 season was a nightmare come to life. Finishing among the worst WNBA teams, tied with the Connecticut Sun at 10-34, they lost four in a row and finished 2-8 down the stretch.
Under newly tabbed head coach Tyler Marsh, injuries, point guard struggles, and a lack of star power plagued the roster. Most notably, the franchise’s all-time scoring leader, Courtney Vandersloot, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in June.
The main question remains: Is Angel Reese returning to Chi-Town?
Opting to skip out on exit interviews, Reese missed the final game of the season with a back injury. Additionally, she was suspended for the first half of a game by the organization for detrimental statements to the team.
Rumors swirled, and trade talks intensified after Reese expressed public frustration regarding the Sky (rightfully so). Although later apologizing and perhaps some reports may have been misrepresented, it didn’t stop chatter among W fans.
“I am very vocal about what we need and what I want,” said Reese. “I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously, I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me.”
Angel Reese Clears the Air
Reese put rumors to rest on Friday afternoon, as she addressed the media at USA Women’s Basketball training camp in Durham, North Carolina, clarifying her future.
When asked if she’s returning to the Sky for the 2026 WNBA season, Reese confirmed she plans to head back to Chicago.
“I’m under contract. So yes, I plan on returning to the Sky, continuing to talk to [Head Coach] Tyler [Marsh], and building that relationship with [General Manager] Jeff [Pagliocca],” said Reese.
Drafted No. 7 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sky, the former LSU standout has yet to make a playoff appearance, but showed significant growth and development in her second season.
Embracing a larger playmaking role, Reese didn’t waver from her historic rookie season. In 30 regular-season games, the Baltimore native averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals. Her field goal percentage drastically increased over 17 percent (45.8%), and her assist rate nearly doubled.
Angel Reese says she’s returning to the Chicago Sky.
“I’m under contract. I plan on returning to the Sky, continuing to talk to Tyler, and building that relationship with Jeff and Tyler.”
Q: Alissa Hirsh
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) December 12, 2025
Is Reese Chicago’s Next Franchise Cornerstone?
In mid-June, Reese recorded 11 consecutive double-doubles and 23 overall, tying Tina Charles for the third-most in a season.
A ferocious rebounder, Reese became the quickest player in history to log 46 double-doubles. At just 23 years old, Reese has quickly cemented herself as a franchise cornerstone among the all-time Sky greats: Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, and more.
Fifth all-time on the Sky’s total rebound list, she’s on the path to becoming one of the Sky’s most legendary players—if both sides remain a fit.
The franchise stays committed to Marsh (for now), and even hired Latricia Trammell in the latest assistant coach shakeup. In the midst of CBA negotiations and a potential work stoppage, Reese is under a 4-year $324,383 rookie contract through 2027, with a team option. Speculation continues about a possible trade amid organizational hurdles.
Angel Reese is locked in, getting extra reps in after Day 1 of Camp 👏#USABWNT pic.twitter.com/Iln8QzNMRq
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 12, 2025
Sending Smoke Signals to Coach Tyler Marsh?
While the extent of the WNBA season is unknown, there are two takeaways from today’s presser: Reese is fully healed from her back injury, and she praised USA head coach Kara Lawson’s coaching style.
“Being able to play under a coach that coaches hard, I love hard coaching”, said Reese. “I love somebody that’s going to get on me and be very intentional with me and everybody else, and do whatever is best for the team.”
Whether she’s sending subtle smoke signals to Tyler Marsh or not, the Sky will most likely have to build its core roster for next season through free agency. With the option to protect five players, a majority of the roster is headed to the open market.
Time’s ticking for the Sky, who have a young dual threat in Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Landing the fifth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, previous trades impact the ability to hold several first-round picks. Once home to household names like Kahleah Copper and Candace Parker, the struggles are well-documented in the Windy City since the Sky last won the WNBA Championship in 2021.
Coming off its worst win/loss percentage since the franchise’s inaugural 2006 season, Chicago has failed to make the playoffs under head coaches Teresa Weatherspoon and Tyler Marsh. Between a high coaching turnover rate and an inability to retain core players, the franchise is in a precarious situation.
Ironically, the Sky traded up in the 2024 draft to select Reese, giving Minnesota the rights to swap 2026 first-round picks in the blockbuster deal.
Rest assured, Sky fans, Angel Reese is here to stay… for now.
