Angel Reese’s Free Agency Nightmare: Why No Top Stars Are Coming to Chicago

Angel Reese once confidently declared that she was building a “super team” in Chicago, but as the WNBA free agency period progresses, it appears that dream is falling apart. With top free agents signing elsewhere and no All-Star talent showing interest in joining the Chicago Sky, questions are swirling about what went wrong. Is it the team’s struggling front office? Poor facilities? Or perhaps Reese’s own reputation that is scaring players away? Let’s break down this free agency fiasco and what it means for Angel Reese and the future of the Chicago Sky.

The Harsh Reality of WNBA Free Agency

Despite Reese’s high-profile presence and the promise of an exciting young core, not a single major free agent has chosen to sign with the Sky. Instead of luring top-tier talent, Reese’s recruitment efforts have seemingly fallen flat. While stars like Kelsey Plum, Juel Lloyd, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, and Kelsey Mitchell were all available, none of them even considered Chicago as a destination.

With the league’s biggest names making moves, the Sky have been left in the dust. The lack of signings raises a serious question—why is no one eager to play alongside Angel Reese?

A Team in Disarray

One of the major factors contributing to the Sky’s struggles in free agency is the instability within the organization itself. The front office has been plagued by questionable decisions, most notably their failure to extend a qualifying offer to Kennedy Carter, their leading scorer.

Additionally, trade talks that could have improved the team went absolutely nowhere. It’s almost as if the moment Reese’s name is brought up, top players and executives alike start heading for the exits.

Locker Room Concerns and Culture Issues

Rumors have been circulating that the Chicago Sky’s locker room is far from harmonious. While Reese is a rising star with undeniable talent, some reports suggest that her presence may not be as appealing to potential teammates as she thinks. Even players she personally tried to recruit, such as Gabby Williams, declined the opportunity to join the Sky.

Kennedy Carter, before her departure, was reportedly unhappy with how things were being handled in the organization, and insiders suggest that some of the dissatisfaction stemmed from internal tensions involving Reese.

Chicago’s Facilities Are Lagging Behind

Beyond locker room drama, the Chicago Sky’s facilities are another major issue. Compared to other WNBA teams, Chicago’s current setup is considered subpar, resembling a high school gym more than a professional sports facility. The team has promised upgrades, but those won’t be ready until 2026—far too late to make an impact on this free agency class.

When top free agents compare Chicago’s facilities to those of teams like the Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, or Indiana Fever, it’s no surprise that they are choosing to sign elsewhere.

WNBA Free Agency Fireworks Happening Elsewhere

While Chicago has been struggling to attract talent, other teams have been making game-changing moves. The Las Vegas Aces, for example, pulled off a massive three-team trade to acquire Juel Lloyd, while the Sparks landed Kelsey Plum. Brittney Griner, one of the most dominant centers in the league, chose to sign with the Atlanta Dream. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas and Natasha Cloud made their way to Phoenix, adding firepower to an already competitive team.

All these moves make Chicago’s lack of signings even more glaring. Not only did free agents reject the Sky, but many actively chose to strengthen their competition instead.

Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: A Tale of Two Stars

Perhaps the biggest contrast to Reese’s struggles in Chicago is the rise of Caitlin Clark in Indiana. Clark has been a magnet for talent, helping the Indiana Fever build a promising roster around her. The Fever recently re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, their star guard, on a supermax contract—further solidifying their foundation.

Meanwhile, Reese’s social media-heavy approach to recruitment has not translated into real results. While she’s been vocal about her role in making women’s basketball more popular, the harsh reality is that Chicago’s ticket sales and TV ratings remain uninspiring compared to teams featuring Clark.

What This Means for Angel Reese and the Sky

With no All-Stars joining her in Chicago, Reese is now facing a massive challenge. The Sky’s roster remains weak, and with no clear sign of immediate improvement, the team could be heading for another difficult season.

While Reese continues to post confident social media updates, the numbers don’t lie. The lack of interest from top free agents, declining attendance numbers, and growing concerns about team culture all paint a troubling picture.

If Angel Reese wants to truly lead a “super team,” she’ll need to prove she can be a draw not just on social media, but on the court. Otherwise, her grand vision for Chicago may end up as nothing more than empty words.

Final Thoughts: Can Reese Turn It Around?

As the WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. Can she step up and become the franchise player Chicago desperately needs, or will her recruitment failures and team struggles continue to define her tenure?

One thing is certain—this upcoming season will be a make-or-break moment for both Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. If they can’t turn things around, the dream of building a super team may remain just that—a dream.