The WNBA‘s new era is defined not only by rising popularity but also by players demanding more from their franchises. Angel Reese, already one of the league’s brightest young stars, has joined that movement with candid comments that recall Kobe Bryant‘s infamous 2007 standoff with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“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,” Reese said recently.
For the Chicago Sky, her words carry the weight of a warning. Reese has quickly emerged as the face of the team, recording 22 double-doubles in just 29 games and proving she can dominate against veteran competition.
Training facility becomes a flashpoint
At the center of Reese‘s frustration is the Sky‘s lack of a modern practice facility. The team currently trains at a local recreation center, a setup Reese criticized openly earlier this season.
“You guys saw the Rec that we practice at. I don’t think anybody wants to practice there,” she said.
Her critique is not an isolated complaint. In an anonymous player poll, Chicago was voted the league’s worst franchise, with one participant remarking, “They’re still practicing in a rec center. That’s not … ideal.”
Head coach Tyler Marsh attempted to address the issue while emphasizing progress.
“We have really good people here, and I think that pretty soon every organization is going to be able to provide some sort of amenity. Whether it’s in the frame of a practice facility or whatever, this league is going to get to a point where the players rightfully deserve,” Marsh explained before the team’s recent matchup against the Connecticut Sun.
Delays stall long-promised project
The Sky announced plans in June 2024 for a $38 million state-of-the-art practice facility, originally slated for completion in December 2025. But the project has since encountered delays, leaving both players and fans frustrated. Executives recently unveiled design updates, though no new timeline was provided.
Marsh would only say, “Everything should be in motion before the start of next season.”
For Reese, the delays matter. Facilities are no longer considered perks-they are essential tools for training, recovery, and attracting talent. In a league that is rapidly expanding its visibility and resources, Chicago risks falling behind competitors if it cannot deliver on its promises.
Marsh defended the organization’s broader vision despite the criticism.
“I think that I don’t put too much [thought] into what that poll is,” he said. “All you can do is show and prove. I think that for us, you should talk to our players. There are some who appreciate what we’ve got going on here and what the vision is moving forward. Again, it’s not anywhere near where we want it to be. But there is a vision in place that we want to get to and achieve.”
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