If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the frantic headlines. Angel Reese out of WNBA? It sounds like a career-ending disaster. People are tweeting like she’s hung up the jersey for good, or worse, been kicked out of the league. Honestly, the rumor mill has been working overtime, fueled by a messy end to the 2025 season that felt more like a reality TV finale than a basketball schedule.
But let’s take a breath.
The "Barbie" of the hardcourt isn't gone. Not even close. However, the drama that unfolded over the last few months of 2025 was real, and it was loud. From locker room friction to a sudden back injury that sidelined her during the most critical stretch of the year, the "Angel Reese out of WNBA" chatter actually stems from a very specific, very chaotic sequence of events in Chicago.
The Suspension That Sparked the Fire
It all kind of hit the fan in September 2025. You might remember the Chicago Sky were already having a rough go of it—finishing with a dismal 10-34 record. But things went from bad to worse when Reese gave an interview to the Chicago Tribune that didn’t sit well with the front office. She basically said the team needed to get "great players" this offseason or she might have to "move in a different direction."
The Sky didn’t take that lightly. They slapped her with a half-game suspension for comments deemed "detrimental to the team."
Think about that for a second. Your franchise player, the person selling out jerseys and bringing in the "Bayou Barbie" brand, gets suspended by her own team. It was awkward. It was public. And for a lot of fans, it was the first time they thought, Wait, is she actually leaving?
Then came the technical fouls. Reese actually missed a full game against the Indiana Fever—the big showdown everyone wanted to see—because she hit her eighth technical of the season. The league rules are pretty black and white there: you hit eight, you sit one.
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That Back Injury Was No Joke
While people were arguing about her "attitude" or her "trade value," Reese’s body was actually failing her. Shortly after the suspension drama, she vanished from the lineup entirely. It wasn't a shadow ban or a secret trade. It was a legitimate back injury.
She missed the final games of the 2025 season. No exit interview. No final goodbye to the fans at the arena. Just... gone. That silence is exactly why the "Angel Reese out of WNBA" searches started spiking. When a superstar stops talking and stops playing simultaneously, people assume the worst.
Is She Actually Leaving the Chicago Sky?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: It's complicated, but she’s under contract.
In December 2025, while she was at a USA Basketball training camp, Reese finally broke the silence. She told reporters flat out, "I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky." She’s currently on her rookie deal which runs through the 2026 season, and the Sky have a team option for 2027. Unless a massive, blockbuster trade happens—which, let's be real, is always a tiny possibility in this league—she’s staying in the Windy City.
She’s been talking to the new head coach, Tyler Marsh, and trying to patch things up with GM Jeff Pagliocca. It sounds like they’ve "closed the chapter" on the September drama.
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What She’s Doing Instead of "Unrivaled"
Here is one thing that is true: Angel Reese is out of the Unrivaled league for 2026.
For those who don't know, Unrivaled is that new 3x3 league everyone’s talking about. Most of the WNBA’s heavy hitters are playing there during the offseason to make some extra cash and stay sharp. Reese played in the inaugural season and did great. But when the 2026 roster was finalized in October 2025, her name was missing.
Why? It’s not because she isn't good enough. It’s because she’s "booked and busy."
- Hollywood Calling: Just this week, it was announced she’s voicing a character named Propp (a polar bear athlete!) in the animated movie GOAT, produced by Steph Curry.
- Fashion Mogul: She’s been walking runways for Victoria’s Secret and doing high-end shoots.
- Recovery: After the back injury, she’s been vocal about needing to let her body actually heal. Playing 3x3 basketball all winter probably isn't the best move for a spine that was barking just three months ago.
The Stats Don't Lie: Why the WNBA Needs Her
Despite the "detrimental" comments and the injury, Reese’s 2025 season was actually historic. People love to hate on her shooting percentage, but you can't ignore the glass.
She averaged 14.7 points and a league-leading 12.6 rebounds per game. She’s the fastest player in WNBA history to hit 46 double-doubles. In a game against the Phoenix Mercury in August, she grabbed 20 rebounds. 20! That’s not a "hoax." That’s a dominant interior force.
The Sky went 1-13 in games where she didn't play. Basically, without her, the team was a sinking ship. That gives her a massive amount of leverage. She knows she’s the engine, even if the engine occasionally makes some noise the mechanics don't like.
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What to Expect in 2026
So, if she’s not "out," what’s the next move?
The WNBA is currently in the middle of a massive CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) battle. Reese has been super vocal about this. She’s standing with players like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, demanding better pay and better travel. Honestly, there’s a small chance the whole league could face a work stoppage if they don't get a deal done, but for now, the 2026 season is a go.
If you’re a fan, here is what you should actually be watching for:
- The Draft: The Sky have some lottery luck and need a guard. If they get a legit floor general to feed Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, that "out of the WNBA" talk will vanish the second they start winning.
- The Acting Coach: Reese mentioned she’s hiring an acting coach to prep for more film roles. She’s diversifying her portfolio.
- Physical Longevity: Keep an eye on her minutes in the first few weeks of May. If that back injury lingers, that is the only thing that will truly keep her out of the league.
Angel Reese isn't going anywhere. She’s just evolving from a basketball player into a brand. Sometimes that transition is messy, especially when you’re 23 and the entire world is watching your every move on an iPhone.
Next Steps for Fans: If you want to stay ahead of the curve, stop following the "drama" accounts and check the official WNBA injury reports starting in April. If you're looking to support her brand, her film GOAT drops in theaters February 13, 2026. Keep an eye on the Chicago Sky's roster moves in free agency this month—if they don't land a veteran guard, expect Reese to be vocal about it again.