Indianapolis, IN — Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is once again at the center of public attention after a controversial moment during the WNBA Playoffs. Following the Indiana Fever’s Game 4 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, Reese was seen making a middle finger gesture and was later heard uttering a pointed remark: “They got the refs.”
The moment occurred as postgame discussions and celebrations unfolded on and around the court. Though the Sky were not involved in the playoff series, Reese was reportedly present at the game and was approached by media for her reaction to the Fever’s performance.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and viral video footage circulating online, Reese responded with visible frustration, raising her middle finger before delivering a four-word comment that has since drawn significant attention: “They got the refs.”
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Context and Implications
Reese’s statement appears to suggest a belief that the officiating favored the Indiana Fever, a topic that has already been the subject of debate following the Fever’s playoff run. In Game 4, Fever rookie Aliyah Boston received 13 free throw attempts, compared to just 6 for Aces star A’ja Wilson, prompting questions from fans and analysts about consistency in officiating.
While Reese has not played in the current series, she has been an outspoken figure throughout the season and maintains a high-profile presence in WNBA discourse, both on and off the court.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across social media and within sports journalism circles:
Some fans have defended Reese’s actions, arguing that her expression reflects ongoing concerns about fairness in officiating during the postseason.
Others have criticized the gesture as unprofessional and potentially damaging to the league’s image.
Several media commentators have also pointed out that Reese’s conduct could fall under the WNBA’s code of conduct policies, which prohibit unsportsmanlike or disrespectful behavior, especially toward game officials.
Awaiting League Response
As of this writing, the WNBA has not released an official statement regarding the incident. It remains to be seen whether Reese will face disciplinary action or be asked to clarify her remarks.
If the league does choose to respond, it could further fuel an ongoing conversation around player expression, officiating standards, and professionalism in the WNBA’s growing spotlight.
Sky Star Angel Reese Connected to New Possible Trade Destination
The Chicago Sky and star forward Angel Reese suffered through another disappointing WNBA season in 2025. When all was said and done, the team finished with a record of 10-34.
Reese clearly wasn’t happy with how the team played this season. She spoke out with some controversial comments late in the year and actually went as far as to talk about potentially leaving the team in the future. Those comments did not sit well with her teammates.
Due to the drama that Reese started with her comments, a lot of speculation has started rising about her future with the Sky.
Ahead of the WNBA offseason, there have been a lot of rumblings about Reese potentially being a trade candidate. If Chicago did make her available, quite a few teams would likely have interest in exploring a trade for Reese.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky dribbles the ball against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena on September 3, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. | Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
Bleacher Report’s Lee Escobedo has suggested a few different teams as possible trade destinations for Reese. One of those destinations was none other than the Golden State Valkyries.
“For Golden State, the fit would be obvious,” Escobedo wrote. “Expansion teams rarely land stars early, but Reese would give the Valkyries not just elite rebounding and physicality inside—which would fit their defensive identity—but also a marketable face in a competitive Bay Area sports market.”
Throughout the course of the 2025 WNBA season with the Sky, Reese played in 30 games. She averaged 14.7 points per game to go along with 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals. In addition, the 23-year-old forward shot 45.8 percent from the floor.
It’s clear that Reese has legitimate superstar potential. She took her game to another level in her second WNBA season.
As for the Valkyries, the team finished the year with a 23-21 record. They are not far away from being a serious contender in the WNBA. Adding Reese could take them to that level.
Of course, this is all speculation. There is still a very good chance that the Sky view Reese as their cornerstone player moving into the future. However, if there is any consideration of a potential trade, it would not be shocking to see Golden State emerge as a team with interest in acquiring her.
Expect to continue hearing rumors about Reese heading into the offseason. It’s a situation worth keeping a very close eye on.
For more on the Chicago Sky, Golden State Valkyries, and WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
