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One of the biggest signs of a player’s competitive spirit is their openness to call out incompetence. Even if it ruffles some feathers, they are not afraid to say how things are. A recent example of this is Angel Reese calling out the Chicago Sky front office on September 3, 2025, for their lack of effort in building a quality roster this year. However, as she confessed her feelings freely, some were left a little suspicious of the intention behind it.

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As Angel Reese told the Chicago Tribune, “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 a non-negotiable for me,” alarm bells started ringing. But to ease the fears, she also went on to mention her wish to be in Chicago for the rest of her career. However, anytime a star player makes a statement like this, strong reactions are bound to come. While some agreed and even went on to praise her for calling out the higher-ups to do their best, some questioned her timing in sending out this powerful message. 

Discussing Angel Reese’s comments on the latest edition of the We Need To Talk podcast, Terrika Foster-Brasby shared her thoughts on Reese’s comments. She said, “I don’t think it was the language. I think it was the timing. There are not the comments that one would necessarily make during the season, but they are valid comments to have. This is an organization that for many years now, have seemingly fumbled the bag when it comes to players, star players, and building a roster that makes sense.” And looking at the Chicago Sky’s track record of building and maintaining rosters, Foster-Brasby’s comments do make sense.

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During the 2025 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky earned an unwanted reputation for their name. In a late July 2025 online survey, the Sky were voted by the players as the worst-run organization in the league. What makes this reputation even worse is their recent track record of players forcing moves away from the franchise. Marina Mabrey forced her way out of the franchise mid-season last year. Before that, their Finals MVP, Kahleah Copper, left the franchise for the Phoenix Mercury in February 2024. 

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Considering all that, the fans were left panicking as they read Angel Reese’s comments. However, with the season yet to finish, her comments came at a time when they could cause friction between the team. Further building on Terrika’s point, Ashley Nicole Moss said that the ‘what’ in Reese’s comments is not an issue, but the ‘when’ is. 

She said, “I agree with Terrika. There is nothing wrong with expressing your frustration. And sometimes that frustration ultimately leads the organization to be better.”

Moss further elaborated by saying, “But one, it’s timing and two, if this is something that you feel that you’re going to go on the record and say, and knowing how the media works at times and how fans like to pick things apart and nitpick, it’s, definitely something that I feel like she probably should have expressed to her teammates first so that they kind of weren’t blindsided.” 

Although Angel Reese did issue an apology and said that her comments were taken out of context, the seed of doubt has been planted in the minds of fans and her teammates. The fans’ hopes would certainly be that her comments have the intended impact on the front office, and the franchise can make some moves next season that not only help them retain Angel Reese for the long term but also lead to a deep playoff run. The franchise, for its part, is trying to make some moves that can help in the progression of its team. 

How can the Chicago Sky retain Angel Reese for the long term?

It is no secret that the last two years have been highly disappointing for the Chicago Sky. After drafting Angel Reese, many expected them to start having some success. However, in the two seasons she’s been in the WNBA, the franchise has not made any progress. If the 2024 season ended with a dismal record of 13-27, this year they have already lost 30 games. And seeing how their schedule is for the final four games, they might even lose more. 

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In a situation like this, would could the Chicago Sky do to keep a competitive spirit like Angel Reese? Well, obviously, they can build a better roster. But, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Chicago Sky currently has the second-best chance to get the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft. With players such as Flau’Jae Johnson, Azzi Fudd, and Lauren Betts coming into the league, they might just draft the next superstar to pair with Angel Reese. If not, they could also package the pick in a trade to bring in an experienced player. 

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Another hope that the franchise will have is in its young core. Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Hailey Van Lith are all promising talents. Sure, Hailey struggled to find consistency this year around, but the experience she gained this year will certainly help her out the following year. Another factor that might help out is the Chicago Sky’s new 40,000-square-foot, $38 million performance center. Due to start operations in 2026, this new facility can help in the training and development of their young core. 

Drafting a generational talent in your team does not happen often. The Chicago Sky have exactly that in Angel Reese and if they are not careful, they might just lose her. Having already lost 2 years of her career, Angel Reese has made it clear that she does not intend to keep losing any longer and if the Sky wants her there, they need to make moves. 

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