Chicago Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca: Angel Reese on team 'until I hear differently'

Following a tumultuous end to the WNBA regular season, all eyes are on Angel Reese’s future in Chicago. The Sky star forward didn’t play in the franchise’s final four games due to a suspension for reaching the technical-foul threshold and after showing up on the injury report with a back injury.

Reese also faced a team-imposed, first-half suspension for the Sky’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces for “comments detrimental to the team,” Chicago announced. That came after comments about the trajectory of the franchise, leading to questions about whether she could be on the move.

Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca addressed the rumors surrounding Reese’s future. He reiterated she’s under contract for 2026, and he expects her to be in Chicago despite the rocky end to this year.

“Angel’s an ascending young talent in this league who’s had two very good seasons here in Chicago,” Pagliocca said, via Karli Bell. “We went through what we did. … Until I hear differently, we’re going to move in the direction that she’s going to be on the roster.”

Reese’s comments, which came during an interview with the Chicago Tribune, made their way across the WNBA world. She appeared to call out multiple teammates, as well as the direction of the franchise amid yet another rough season. Chicago won 10 games in 2025 after finishing 13-27 in Reese’s rookie year in 2024.

While speaking with the Tribune’s Julia Poe, Reese acknowledged Chicago’s weakness at point guard following Courtney Vandersloot’s season-ending injury. She also called on the franchise to make improvements this offseason and get “great players.”

“I’m not settling for the same s−−− we did this year,” Reese said. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.

“I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason. So it’s going to be very, very important this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best because we can’t settle for what we have this year.”

Sky coach Tyler Marsh made it clear the franchise handled the situation internally after Angel Reese’s comments. The former LSU star also apologized to her teammates, she said during a press conference.

All the while, frustration boiled over in Chicago during Sunday’s season finale against the New York Liberty. Reese was in attendance, though she didn’t dress due to her injury. But the fans made their voices heard as chants of “Fire Jeff” rang out. Fans also held signs reading “Free Angel” and “Free 5” amid rumors about Reese’s future.