Angel Reese: Why She's Still Ruling the Windy City in 2026

Angel Reese: Why She's Still Ruling the Windy City in 2026

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately or catching highlights of the latest USA Basketball training camps, you’ve probably seen the "Bayou Barbie" everywhere. But with all the off-season movement and some of the drama that went down late last year, a lot of people are asking: what team does Angel Reese play on right now?

She's in Chicago. Still.

Despite a mountain of rumors that she might be looking for a trade—or that the front office was ready to move on after a rocky 2025 finish—Angel Reese is officially locked in with the Chicago Sky for the 2026 season. She confirmed it herself in mid-December while training with Team USA, basically putting an end to the "will-she-won't-she" saga that kept WNBA Twitter in a frenzy for months.

The Chicago Sky's Anchor

Honestly, it’s hard to imagine the Sky without her at this point. Reese was the 7th overall pick back in 2024, and since then, she hasn't just played for the team; she’s become the face of the franchise. Even with the Sky coming off a brutal 10-34 season in 2025, Reese remained a statistical monster.

You're looking at a player who averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds last year. She’s the fastest player in league history to hit 500 points and 500 rebounds—doing it in just 38 games. That’s not just "good for a young player." That’s historic.

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Why the trade rumors started

So, why did everyone think she was leaving? Well, things got a bit messy in September 2025. Reese was actually suspended for half a game after some comments she made to the Chicago Tribune were labeled "detrimental to the team." Then, a back injury sidelined her for the end of the season.

People saw the suspension and the losing record and assumed a breakup was coming. It didn't help that she was seen hanging out with Paige Bueckers, leading fans to dream up a "super team" elsewhere. But Reese cleared the air, saying she’s focused on building a relationship with head coach Tyler Marsh and GM Jeff Pagliocca.

She’s under contract. She’s staying.

The 2026 Outlook in Chicago

The Sky are in a weird spot, but it’s an exciting one. They’ve got Reese and the 6'7" powerhouse Kamilla Cardoso forming one of the most intimidating frontcourts in the world.

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The 2026 season is also huge because the WNBA is in the middle of massive CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations. Reese has been vocal about this, noting how important it is for her generation to get better pay and travel conditions. Even while she’s making millions off the court with her Reebok deal—which includes her first signature shoe dropping this year—she’s still grinding for that WNBA title.

Off-court moves

If you follow her on Instagram, you know she’s been "booked and busy." She’s even voicing a character named Propp (a polar bear athlete) in the upcoming animated movie GOAT alongside Steph Curry.

But don't let the Hollywood stuff fool you. Reese has told reporters she’s 100% recovered from the back injury that cut her 2025 season short. She’s been training in Germany and at the USA Basketball facilities, looking faster and, surprisingly, more efficient with her shooting.

What to watch for this season

Expect Reese to continue her double-double streak. It's kinda her thing. She already holds the record for most consecutive double-doubles in WNBA history (15), and there’s no reason to think she’ll slow down in year three.

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The big question is whether the Sky can actually win games. 10-34 isn't going to cut it again. With a new practice facility in the works and the 2026 All-Star Game incentives on the line, the pressure is on the front office to surround Reese with better shooters.

Next steps for fans:

  • Check the Schedule: The 2026 WNBA season tips off in May. Keep an eye on the Chicago Sky's home opener at Wintrust Arena.
  • Watch the CBA News: The new agreement will determine if Reese and other young stars get the massive "supermax" raises they've been advocating for.
  • Follow the Shoe Drop: Look for the "Angel Reese 1" from Reebok later this year; it’s expected to be one of the biggest sneaker releases in women’s sports history.

Reese is staying in blue and black. For now, the Windy City is still hers.