The Chicago Sky announced Friday that star forward Angel Reese will be suspended for the first half of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, citing “statements detrimental to the team.”
The decision capped a turbulent week for Reese, who also served a one-game suspension Friday after receiving her eighth technical foul of the season.
“The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player,” the team said in a prepared statement. “We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball. This matter has been handled and resolved internally, and we are moving forward as a team.”
How Angel Reese’s Suspension Unfolded
Reese drew scrutiny after an interview with the Chicago Tribune earlier in the week, where she expressed frustration with the Sky’s direction.
“I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” she said, adding that the franchise needed to “get great players” this offseason or she might consider leaving.
She also raised concerns about the team’s point guard position, specifically referencing Courtney Vandersloot’s recovery from an ACL tear.
Statement from the Chicago Sky pic.twitter.com/kf8qXvEkGb
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 5, 2025
“We can’t rely on Courtney [Vandersloot] to come back [from her ACL tear] at the age that she’s at,” Reese said. “I know she’ll be a great asset for us, but we can’t rely on that. We need someone, probably a little younger with some experience, somebody who’s been playing the game and is willing to compete for a championship and has done it before.”
On Wednesday, Reese was assessed her eighth technical foul of the season during an 88-64 win over the Connecticut Sun. The penalty triggered an automatic one-game suspension, which she served Friday as the Sky lost, 97-77, to the Indiana Fever. That same night, the team announced she would also be suspended for the first half of Sunday’s game against Las Vegas because of her comments.
Reese said Wednesday she had apologized to her teammates, clarifying that her intent was not to disparage anyone but to push for higher standards.
Response From the Chicago Sky Organization
Head coach Tyler Marsh described the suspension as a decision made at the organizational level, making clear it was not handled solely by him. Speaking before Friday’s loss to the Indiana Fever, Marsh said it was “an organizational decision from the top down,” and emphasized that the team planned to address the matter privately rather than in public.
“It was an organizational decision from the top down,” Marsh said. “Just going to handle it internally, and that’s kind of what it’s been.”
Marsh added that he had spoken with Reese about the matter but declined to share details of their conversation. He reiterated the team’s stance that “the matter has been resolved, and we’d just like to focus on tonight.”
The Sky’s official statement underscored a commitment to accountability and respect, signaling the team’s desire to move forward.
Angel Reese’s Role and What Comes Next
Reese remains at the center of Chicago’s plans despite the controversy. A two-time All-Star, she leads the WNBA in rebounding at 12.6 per game and in double-doubles with 23. She also averages a team-high 14.7 points and is tied for first on the Sky with 3.7 assists.
Her statistical production and vocal leadership have elevated her influence, but they have also highlighted the tension between her role as franchise cornerstone and her candid critique of the roster.
With the Sky holding a 10-31 record and eliminated from playoff contention last month, Reese’s demands for stronger talent could increase pressure on the front office heading into a pivotal offseason.
For now, Reese will return to action Sunday after serving her partial suspension against the defending champion Aces. But how Chicago responds to her concerns — and how her relationship with team leadership develops — could define the franchise’s trajectory as much as any offseason move.
