The Chicago Sky have endured their fair share of turbulence this season, and the drama appears far from over. Even as rookie Angel Reese put up solid numbers, averaging 14.7 points per game, the team stumbled through one of the roughest stretches in franchise history, finishing with a dismal 10ā34 record and missing the playoffs entirely.
Now, in a move that has stunned fans and media alike, the Sky have taken a decisive and public stance on Reeseās role off the court, leaving everyone to wonder what comes next for the star and the franchise.
Why Did the Chicago Sky Cancel Interviews for Angel Reese and Team Leaders?
According to a report from Noa Dalzell, the Chicago Sky announced that Angel Reese, along with veteran leaders Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot, will not participate in their scheduled end-of-season exit interviews. This development adds another layer of intrigue to a season already marked by internal strife.
Per the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, Ariel Atkins, and Courtney Vandersloot will no longer be doing exit interviews
ā Noa Dalzell š (@NoaDalzell) September 22, 2025
The decision comes just weeks after locker-room tension began to spill into public view, starting with Reeseās outspoken comments about the team and its future. For a roster dominated by experienced voices like Atkins and Vandersloot, the rookie’s candor created visible friction.
The saga began in early September, when the Chicago Tribune published a wide-ranging conversation between Reese and journalist Julia Poe. In that interview, the young forward did not hold back, openly addressing her frustrations with the Skyās struggles and hinting at the possibility of exploring other opportunities.
āIām not settling for the same s*** we did this year. We have to get good players. We have to get great players. Thatās a non-negotiable for me,” Reese said.
āIām willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, thatās what Iām going to do this offseason. So itās going to be very, very important this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best because we canāt settle for what we have this year,ā Reese added during the interview with Poe.
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Those remarks instantly sparked trade speculation that split the fan base. While some supporters applauded her authenticity, others criticized her for challenging the organization so publicly. Chicagoās front office, however, clearly viewed the comments unfavorably.
In response, the team handed Reese disciplinary action that saw her benched for the opening half of the Sept. 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. Oddly, she never checked back into the game, with officials later citing back issues as the reason. That same injury was used to explain her absence from Chicagoās next two contests, raising eyebrows about whether the time off was strictly physical or tied to a deeper internal conflict.
Has Reese Already Hinted at Her Next Move?
Just as rumors surrounding her future began to quiet down, Reese herself reignited the speculation with a social media post. On her official X account, the 23-year-old forward shared a personal highlight reel showcasing some of her biggest moments from her second WNBA season. However, it was the caption with the post that truly set the conversation ablaze.
Reese reflected on her sophomore season, acknowledging the challenges, personal growth, and perseverance she experienced, before closing with a powerful line: āThis is only the beginning.ā
Many fans interpreted that phrase as a clear signal that she could be preparing for a fresh chapter elsewhere. The post felt like a subtle but powerful nod to a potential trade or departure.
For now, the Sky are attempting to control the narrative by pulling Reese, Atkins, and Vandersloot from their postseason media availability. The big question is whether this decision will foster unity or only deepen the growing division within the team.
