Angel Reese will be hoping her 2025 with the Chicago Sky ends on a happier note than this year – and if they can get a few key calls right, their rising star could have a dream 12 months.
Angel Reese could only watch on as the Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes faded (Image: Getty Images)
The 2024 season ended in major disappointment for Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky.
They remained in contention for the playoffs up until the climax of the regular season, but a run of five straight defeats – all of which Reese was absent for due to her broken wrist – ended their hopes. It also cost head coach Teresa Weatherspoon her job.
The Sky now have ample opportunity to regroup ahead of next year and can look to build on the massive potential Reese showed with her WNBA-leading 13.1 rebounds per game. For her, a dream scenario may look something like this…
Stephanie White appointed
There’s now fierce competition for Stephanie White’s signature after the Indiana Fever sacked Christie Sides. Given her history with the Fever as a player and coach, there’s a popular school of thought that they’ll be favourites to secure her – but she’s also familiar with Chicago having been the Sky’s assistant from 2007 to 2010.
While the allure of working with Caitlin Clark is certainly strong, the 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year has made no secret of her admiration for Reese. White sang the 22-year-old’s praises after the Connecticut Sun, who parted ways with her following their second consecutive playoffs semi-finals appearance, edged out the Sky 82-80 in August.
“Her activity level is just so good,” she said. “Even if she’s not scoring the basketball she’s making plays. She’s getting opportunities for her team-mates, she’s getting offensive rebounds.
“She’s an elite rebounder. That’s a skillset that she came into this league with. Her offensive game is continuing to grow… But her activity level is elite, and it makes her really tough to defend.”
Stephanie White would be a coup for the Sky (Image: Getty Images)
Kelsey Mitchell signs
Beating the Fever to White would be one in the eye for their WNBA rivals, and so would snatching Kelsey Mitchell from under their noses. The free agent is yet to have given any indication of her plans ahead of the signing period in February.
“Those conversations are going to have to be had, and I’m gonna do what’s best for me,” Mitchell said in August. “It’s always going to be a business, so I’m excited to explore free agency. I’ve never been a free agent in my professional career, so I’m excited to see where it goes.”
The Fever are naturally eager to re-sign her after one of the best years of her career. A franchise-record seven straight 20+ scoring games saw her finish with a 19.2 average, placing her eighth in the standings – but maybe she’ll prefer a new challenge, which the Sky would be wise to offer.
Chennedy Carter stays
Chennedy Carter (right) proved her worth and some in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)
Mitchell’s arrival would fill the potential hole of losing Chennedy Carter, who shares a similar play style. But just as the Fever will be keen to keep hold of their top free agent, so should the Sky.
Her 17.5 points average and 48.7% shooting was a big reason why they were within a chance of making the playoffs. And pairing her with Mitchell could be a risk with a major reward.
Salary cap increase
All of the above would put Reese in a brilliant position to excel in her sophomore year and target the championship. On a personal level, 2025 could also be a perfect year if the WNBA’s salary cap is increased as expected.
She recently bemoaned the fact that her reported $73,439 (£56k) annual pay packet doesn’t even cover her $8k-a-month rent. “Hatin’ pays them bills baby,” she joked.
“I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills. I’m living beyond my means like y’all.”
That could be set to change drastically after the Women’s National Basketball Players Association opted out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will now expire on October 31, 2025, instead of after the 2027 season.
Player salaries will undoubtedly be at the forefront of negotiations over a new deal, with the WNBPA seeking an equity-based model. The WNBA’s new TV deal is set bring an influx of cash into the league, which will be a welcome boost for Reese if or when she gets her hands on some of it.
