Angel Reese has quickly become one of the most influential young stars in the WNBA, boosting the Chicago Sky’s profile both on and off the court. Since joining the team, the franchise’s valuation has increased from $95 million to $240 million, a testament to the fan base she commands. Yet, while her arrival has brought a surge in relevance, wins have been harder to come by, and her recent criticism of the front office has created tensions that may affect her long-term future in Chicago.
The controversy began when Reese publicly urged Sky management to build a stronger roster for next season. Her comments immediately drew attention across the league, with some praising her competitive fire while others saw it as an unnecessary shot at the organization. The Sky responded by suspending Reese for half a game, an unprecedented move in WNBA history, which only added more fuel to the debate. For many, the punishment felt excessive, especially considering the history of other WNBA stars openly criticizing their teams without facing the same consequences.
Angel Reese was suspensed for half a game by the Sky due to making comments “detrimental to the team”. pic.twitter.com/0GMagTnybD
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) September 9, 2025
As former U.S. women’s national team star Kelley O’Hara and guest BJ Beckwith discussed on the Sports Are Fun! podcast, Reese’s situation echoes that of Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson, two of the league’s biggest names who have also publicly called out their teams. Beckwith noted that Plum openly spoke about her decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces for the Sparks, explaining on Sue Bird’s podcast that she wanted to step out of Wilson’s shadow and lead her own team. Similarly, Wilson herself has been critical of her teammates when expectations weren’t met, once saying after a losing streak, “We’re going to continue getting our ass beat until we man up.”
Angel Reese comes under fire for comments against Chicago teammates
These examples underscore a consistent reality in women’s basketball: the most competitive players are often the most outspoken—Reese’s comments, while blunt, fit into that pattern of demanding accountability and striving for championships. Fans of the Sky are now left to wonder whether her remarks were simply a reflection of her drive to win or a sign that she may eventually want to play elsewhere.
The Sky’s decision to issue a half-game suspension, rather than resolving the matter internally, has drawn sharp criticism. Many fans believe it damaged the relationship further, while even a rival WNBA executive described the move as “embarrassing” and suggested Reese should consider asking for a trade. The reaction has intensified speculation about whether she will remain with Chicago, despite her insistence in interviews that she wants to win with the Sky.
For a franchise with a history of struggling to retain star talent, this controversy has heightened pressure on management to prove they can build a competitive roster around Reese. If not, the team risks alienating its most valuable player, whose presence has already transformed the organization’s trajectory.
Whether Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky can move past this tension remains to be seen. For now, the suspension has left both sides in a difficult position, and her future in a Sky jersey is far from guaranteed.
