Angel Reese’s absence in the Chicago Sky’s final game of the season against the New York Liberty comes as both a disappointment and a moment of reflection for the franchise and its fans. When head coach Tyler Marsh announced that Reese would be sidelined due to a lingering back issue, it sent shockwaves across the WNBA community. Reese, who entered the league with incredible expectations and quickly became one of the most marketable and recognizable young players, has been a cornerstone for the Sky since arriving in Chicago. Her grit, energy, and relentless rebounding defined her rookie season and provided Chicago with a spark of hope as the team tried to build toward a stronger future. But with the news of her being ruled out, the looming question for many is whether this is the last time we will see Reese in a Sky uniform.
Reese’s journey to the WNBA was always destined to attract attention. She was already a household name during her collegiate career, when her dominance at LSU, both as a scorer and rebounder, brought her national championships, accolades, and headlines that went far beyond the basketball court. Her charisma and presence on social media made her one of the most marketable athletes in the sport, bridging a gap between pop culture and women’s basketball in a way few players had before. When she entered the WNBA, the anticipation was that she would not only contribute immediately on the court but also elevate the visibility of the Sky as a franchise. That she did, helping the team remain competitive in a year when the Eastern Conference was stacked with talented squads like the Liberty, Sun, and Mystics all pushing for playoff positioning.
On the court, Reese provided Chicago with toughness in the paint, a relentless pursuit of rebounds, and an uncanny ability to score inside despite the physicality of the league. She led the Sky in rebounding in several games this year, even against seasoned veterans who had been fixtures in the WNBA for years. Her physical style drew comparisons to some of the league’s all-time great post players, while her emerging mid-range game hinted at the kind of versatility she could develop as her career progressed. But injuries have also played a part in her young career, and the back issue that has now ruled her out of the final game of the season is a reminder that the physical toll of the professional game can be unforgiving, especially for rookies adjusting to its pace and demands.
For fans, the uncertainty about Reese’s future with the Sky is unsettling. The WNBA is still growing, and player movement has become a significant storyline in recent years, with stars more willing to change teams in pursuit of championships or better situations. Chicago itself has already been through roster transitions since winning the 2021 WNBA championship, losing major names like Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot. Reese was seen as a new foundation piece for the franchise, someone the Sky could build around for years to come. But the news of her injury and speculation about her long-term role in Chicago raises questions. Will she be healthy enough to play a full season next year? Is there tension between Reese and the organization? Could another franchise swoop in and lure her away with the promise of a brighter future?
From a basketball standpoint, Reese’s absence in the finale against the Liberty is significant. New York has been one of the best teams in the league this season, led by Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. Facing them without Reese deprives Chicago of one of their strongest interior presences and a player who thrives in physical matchups. For Reese, missing out on this opportunity to test herself against championship-caliber opponents is a setback, as these are the kinds of games where young players gain invaluable experience. At the same time, her health comes first, and forcing herself to play through an injury that could linger into the offseason would have been a dangerous choice.
Looking ahead, the decision by Tyler Marsh to sit Reese shows a level of care and long-term vision. The Sky want Reese not just for one more game, but for the years ahead. Rushing her back for a single contest would be shortsighted, especially considering how vital she is to their plans. Still, fans who filled Wintrust Arena throughout the season to cheer for her will miss the opportunity to see her close out the campaign. It’s bittersweet — a reminder of how much she means to the team already, and how fragile the balance can be between excitement and concern when it comes to young stars in professional sports.
Off the court, Reese has already made her mark in Chicago. Her popularity is unmatched among rookies, with jersey sales, social media impressions, and media appearances that rival even veteran stars. She has become a symbol of empowerment for young girls and women who see in her not just a great basketball player, but also someone unafraid to embrace who she is. Her outspoken confidence, often misunderstood by critics, has actually fueled her appeal, making her a role model for athletes who want to bring personality and authenticity to their careers. That’s why the thought of her possibly leaving Chicago — whether through free agency in the future or via other means — is such a difficult one for Sky fans to process. Losing a player of her magnitude would not only impact the team on the court but also the franchise’s visibility and connection with its fan base.
As for Reese herself, this season has been both rewarding and challenging. She achieved milestones that reminded everyone why she was drafted so highly, but she also experienced the growing pains of a rookie adjusting to a tougher, more competitive environment. Defenses keyed in on her. Opponents challenged her physicality. There were nights when foul trouble limited her impact. But every time, she bounced back with the resilience that has defined her career since college. That resilience will be needed again as she navigates recovery from her back injury and prepares for her sophomore campaign.
The question of whether we’ve seen the last of Reese in Chicago may sound dramatic, but it underscores the reality of modern professional sports. Nothing is guaranteed. A player’s trajectory can shift quickly, and franchises must constantly adapt to shifting circumstances. Reese has the talent to be one of the faces of the WNBA for the next decade, but whether that journey continues in a Sky jersey depends on many factors — health, organizational direction, and her own ambitions. What is clear, however, is that wherever she plays, she will continue to be a force who draws attention and raises the profile of women’s basketball.
For now, fans can only wait and hope that this setback is just that — a temporary pause in what will be a long, successful career. Reese’s energy, her competitiveness, and her undeniable talent have already given Chicago plenty to cheer about. Missing her in the season finale is disappointing, but it’s also a reminder of just how important she has already become to the team. If this is not her last chapter with the Sky, then it is simply an early test of patience, one that will make her return all the more exciting. If it is, then her time in Chicago, however brief, will still be remembered as the moment when one of the game’s brightest young stars first left her mark on the WNBA.
One thing is certain: Angel Reese’s story is just beginning. Whether in Chicago or elsewhere, the player they call the “Bayou Barbie” will continue to command attention, inspire fans, and redefine what it means to be a star in women’s basketball. The final game of the season may not feature her presence, but her impact resonates well beyond a single matchup, and her future — wherever it unfolds — will be one of the most closely watched in the league.
