Angel Reese Admits Regret After Critical Interview About Chicago Sky
Angel Reese, the rising star of the Chicago Sky, has found herself at the center of controversy following candid remarks about her team’s direction and infrastructure. In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, Reese—who earned her second consecutive WNBA All-Star selection this summer—didn’t mince words about her expectations for the franchise, her own future, and the improvements she believes are necessary for the Sky to become a championship contender.
Honest Critique Sparks Headlines
Reese’s comments, published Wednesday morning, made waves throughout the league. “I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,” she said, voicing her desire for the Sky to establish a clear identity and to add guards who can both drive and shoot three-pointers efficiently. She also cited point guard as a position of need, reflecting on the team’s struggles and roster turnover.
Her honesty extended to her own future in Chicago:
“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. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can.”
Reese Walks Back Comments, Apologizes to Teammates
After the Sky’s 88-61 win over the Connecticut Sun, Reese was asked to clarify her remarks. She expressed regret—not frustration with her teammates, but with herself for how the comments were perceived.
“I think the language is taken out of context, and I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates. I want to apologize to my teammates, which I already have, about the article,” Reese said postgame.
She emphasized that her intent was not to criticize her fellow players, but to highlight areas for growth and improvement within the organization.
A Franchise in Flux
The Chicago Sky have been aggressive in reshaping their roster, acquiring wing Rebecca Allen, guard Ariel Atkins, and signing veterans Courtney Vandersloot and Kia Nurse. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the team. Vandersloot suffered a season-ending ACL tear just seven games into the year, and Allen’s minutes and production have dipped. Nurse and Atkins have performed steadily, but the team remains in need of dynamic guard play and a true point guard.
Reese’s frustrations reflect broader challenges. The Sky missed the playoffs for a second straight season—their first such streak since 2017-18—and have not won a playoff game since 2022. The team’s lack of a dedicated facility and frequent coaching changes have hurt its reputation, with The Athletic’s anonymous player poll voting Chicago as the league’s worst-run organization.
“The priority is being able to convince (free agents) that this is an organization that is going in the right direction,” Reese said.
“Honestly, it would be a leap of faith for a great, great player to come here and show that this is something that they want to be a part of, and we can bring that championship mentality.”
Infrastructure and Culture: The Next Step
Reese also called for expanded office spaces and improved training facilities. The Sky are building a $38 million, 40,000-square-foot WNBA performance center, set to open in 2026—a move that could help attract top talent. But for now, the team’s infrastructure and culture remain works in progress.
First-year coach Tyler Marsh addressed the situation, saying the organization is aware of Reese’s comments and is handling them internally. He praised Reese’s commitment and reaffirmed the team’s desire to build a sustainable, player-focused foundation.
“I think Angel has shown a commitment to wanting to be here. I think that we as an organization continue to show a commitment that we want people that want to be here, and that we’re developing, setting, laying a foundation here that we want to be sustainable, that we’re able to be a premier destination for all players.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the drama, Reese’s performance on the court remains stellar. After a slow start to the season, she has registered 22 double-doubles and become a cornerstone for the Sky’s future. Her willingness to speak openly about the team’s needs and her own expectations signals a new era of player empowerment—one in which athletes are not afraid to advocate for themselves or their organizations.
As the Sky look to regroup and rebuild, Reese’s voice may prove vital in shaping the franchise’s future. Her words—both critical and conciliatory—reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the team. With new facilities on the horizon and a commitment to improvement, the Chicago Sky have a chance to turn frustration into fuel for lasting change.
Angel Reese’s story is one of growth, leadership, and accountability. As she and the Sky move forward, all eyes will be on how the organization responds—and whether it can finally deliver on the promise of building a winning culture around its brightest stars.
