The Chicago Sky wrapped their campaign with a 10-34 record, capped by a loss to the New York Liberty.
Following the defeat, most players and staff, including head coach Tyler Marsh and general manager Jeff Pagliocca, sat down for exit interviews. Fans expected to hear from Reese, along with veterans Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins.
Instead, the organization pulled the plug on their availability, leaving many wondering why three of the team’s most prominent names were suddenly silent.
A podcast replaces the press
Just as word spread that she wouldn’t be meeting with reporters, the 22-year-old turned to her own platform. On social media, she encouraged fans to submit questions for Unapologetically Angel, her personal podcast.
“Comment a video asking Angel ANYTHING (yes, all caps) and get a chance to be featured,” she wrote.
The timing wasn’t lost on observers. Analyst Rachel DeMita pointed it out on her YouTube channel: “I thought it was ironic that she tweeted out kind of around the same time that the news was announced that she wouldn’t be doing exit interviews. So it seems like her exit interviews will be via her podcast and via fan questions, not media questions.”
For Reese, who has built her profile through social media and brand partnerships since college, choosing to speak directly to fans may feel natural. Still, it has only intensified chatter about her long-term future with the franchise.
Criticism and controversy
Much of the speculation stems from a tense ending to Reese‘s season. After voicing frustration about the Sky‘s roster, she was briefly suspended.
“I’m not settling for the same s*** we did this year. We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s non-negotiable to me,” Reese told The Chicago Tribune.
The comment drew immediate pushback from the team and led to disciplinary action. Not long after, Reese sat out games with what the Sky listed as a back injury.
While the team said it was precautionary, some fans questioned whether it was tied to deeper issues between Reese and the organization.
Then came her cryptic postseason message on social media: “YEAR 2. You taught me so much. You taught me so many lessons. You showed a TON of growth. You fought through SO much adversity. Yet you still PREVAILED, still showed up, and God has a plan for you. This is only the beginning.”
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