Angel Reese, currently one of the WNBA‘s standout players, has publicly insisted that the Chicago Sky bring in top-tier talent to strengthen their squad. Speaking in late 2024 about the team’s future, Reese emphasized the necessity of acquiring elite players to reverse the franchise’s recent struggles and improve their performance.
Since joining the league this year, Reese has been a consistent force, averaging 14.1 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. Despite her impressive numbers, the Sky have posted a disappointing 23-61 record over the last two seasons. During an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Reese voiced frustration about the current state of the team and laid out her expectations moving forward.
I’m not settling for the same s— we did this year,
Reese said.
We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a nonnegotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason to make sure we attract the best of the best, because we can’t settle for what we have this year.
Reese Commits to Staying but Faces WNBA Contract Uncertainty
Despite her high demands for team upgrades, Reese confirmed in December her intention to remain with the Chicago Sky. However, the looming question is whether the WNBA will even hold a 2026 season as collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations remain at a standstill. A new deal has yet to be finalized between the WNBA and the players’ union, creating uncertainty about the league’s near future.
On the topic of pay differences compared to men’s basketball, Reese was straightforward in her response during a recent interview.
There’s nothing that we shouldn’t get.
Current Status of Collective Bargaining Talks
The WNBA and the players’ union have been locked in prolonged negotiations over the league’s next collective bargaining agreement, with critical issues including the revenue split and salary cap at the forefront. Earlier in the week, representatives from both sides met in person to exchange views but did not propose new offers, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
The gathering was based more on sharing the sentiments, philosophies and perspectives driving each side’s positions and having honest dialogue around those viewpoints, sources said, as opposed to exchanging new proposals,
Philippou reported.
Sources told ESPN it was valuable for both sides to meet in person, ask questions and receive direct answers, as they look to break the monthlong stalemate in talks, with the 2026 season scheduled to begin in less than 100 days and the need for a deal increasingly urgent.
The players’ association has suggested a deal that includes 30% of the league’s gross revenue going to players and a $10.5 million salary cap. Meanwhile, the league prefers a significantly lower salary cap of about $5 million. How these differences will be resolved remains to be seen.
Implications for the Chicago Sky and the WNBA Season Ahead
Angel Reese’s insistence on upgrading the Chicago Sky’s roster signals a demand for a more competitive team environment, reflecting the frustration of players motivated to contend at the highest level. The unresolved collective bargaining discussions place the entire 2026 season in jeopardy, adding pressure on both the league and players to reach an agreement swiftly.
For Reese and the Sky, success in future seasons depends heavily on the franchise’s ability to recruit top players and secure stability through a new CBA. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as negotiations progress, hoping for a resolution that supports the league’s growth and competitive integrity.
Angel Reese knows her worth 😤 pic.twitter.com/duogEV4Am0
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 4, 2026
