Angel Reese has never hidden her ambition to change how women’s basketball is viewed, but that vision has also made her one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA. Not everyone in the league-or among fans-embraces her perspective, and that divide has only grown as her on-court results during her first two seasons haven’t fully matched the size of her expectations.
A growing frustration that can’t be ignored
Reese wants to give everything to the game, yet the numbers haven’t always played in her favor. That gap has fueled criticism, especially from those who question whether her focus is split. Runway appearances, brand deals, and entertainment projects have kept her in the spotlight, but they’ve also led some to argue that her priorities aren’t fully aligned with basketball, pointing to a lack of tangible team success as proof.
That tension became impossible to miss during an episode of her Unapologetically Angel podcast, where Reese made it clear she’s not happy with how things have unfolded. What stood out wasn’t just the frustration, but the confidence behind it. Over the past year, she’s shown that when she sets her mind to something, she gets it done-and that’s why her words carried weight. She’s tired of watching the WNBA Finals from home, with the added sting of barely touching the playoff conversation, and her comments hinted at more than personal accountability. Reading between the lines, it sounded like she feels she hasn’t been given what she needs to reach that level.
Those remarks landed shortly after Reese confirmed she will return to the Chicago Sky next season-largely because she’s under contract through 2026. That detail alone has sparked speculation that her relationship with the franchise may not be as solid as it appears. While she hasn’t openly criticized the organization on this matter, the implication is there: she wants to chase her dreams, but questions whether the foundation around her is strong enough to support them.
2025 gave her everything-except what she wants most
Off the court, Reese’s year has been packed with wins. She walked runways, made her acting debut, and collaborated with luxury brands, checking off goals many athletes never reach. Still, something feels unfinished. For her, fulfillment doesn’t come from headlines alone-it comes from playoff basketball and competing on the league’s biggest stage. Without that, the success feels incomplete.
Looking ahead to 2026, her message is direct. She wants the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals, and she wants to be a central part of that run. Her mindset is built on repetition and discipline: win, win, and win. It’s not about hype anymore-it’s about converting ambition into results.
Reese’s challenge is clear. The talent and mentality are there, but the next step requires alignment-between team success and individual growth. Until that happens, the criticism won’t fade. What 2026 offers is an opportunity to change the narrative, prove she can lead a winning group, and finally stop watching the Finals from home.
Read the full article here
