Chicago Sky's Angel Reese stuns WNBA fans with bombshell announcement over rookie season

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Angel Reese, who recently made headlines with her record-breaking 26 double-doubles, revealed that she will have to end her rookie campaign due to an injury.

The 22-year-old's season-ending injury is a huge blow to the Chicago Sky's playoff hopes. 

As her team scrambles to secure a postseason spot, Reese's unexpected announcement shifts the spotlight to her impressive rookie achievements and what lies ahead for this rising star.

Angel Reese shares emotional post on season-ending injury

Angel Reese shared the news in a startling statement on the night of Saturday, September 7, although she did not detail the nature of the injury. The Chicago Sky later confirmed that a wrist issue was the cause, but did not provide specifics on the exact problem or whether surgery would be required.

On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, "What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2."

"Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so," continued the forward. 

Reese then detailed, “I’m filled with emotions right now that I have a season ending injury, but also filled with so much gratitude for what is next. Although this is God’s timing and not mine, I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break. 'God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.'"

She concluded, "You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon!" 

Internet reacts to the shocking end of Angel Reese's WNBA season

After news broke about the premature end of Angel Reese’s WNBA season, WNBA fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation. 

One Facebook user wrote, "So sorry to hear. She has really given herself." Another shared, "This is really awful. I would never wish that on anyone! Wishing her a speedy recovery!!!!"

A person wrote, "Such a shame, she was having a great season and her Sky could have make that push for the 8th spot of the playoffs. Bless and speedy recovery."

Someone else added, "That’s tough. Especially tough for her rookie season. Chin up and stick to your recovery," and one more noted, "Sorry to hear she will be out the rest of the season. She's had a great rookie season."

Another fan shared, "WE LOVE YOU REESE!! Praying for a very, very speedy recovery."

"That’s why it’s good to be HUMBLE!!!! Hope she recovers and come back with a better attitude," expressed an individual. 

Chicago Sky releases statement after Angel Reese's announcement

Angel Reese played on Friday night as the Sky ended their seven-game losing streak with a victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. She recorded 24 points and 12 rebounds, marking her rookie record 26th double-double of the season, shooting 9 of 15 from the field, including a three-pointer, and making all five free throws.

Reese also spoke to the media for nearly 15 minutes after Friday’s win and appeared upbeat, not mentioning any injury.

Reflecting on the team's losing streak, she thoughtfully said, "Adversity builds character. It's so easy to just be on the high and not go through things."

Later on Saturday, shortly after Reese's unprecedented announcement, the Chicago Sky released a statement saying, "After undergoing further medical evaluation after the September 6 game against Los Angeles, Angel Reese has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season with a wrist injury, the team announced today. The team will provide medical updates later as needed."

The team is currently competing with the Atlanta Dream for a playoff spot, making Reese’s injury a significant setback, as per Daily Mail.

To secure a playoff spot, they need Caitlin Clark—Reese’s main rival—and the Indiana Fever to win against Atlanta on Sunday. Both Chicago and Atlanta currently have a 12-22 record for the season.

Reese was picked seventh in the WNBA Draft in New York earlier this year, after declaring for the league following her college career at Louisiana State University. Along with Clark, who was the first pick in the Draft, Reese has been a major attraction for WNBA fans, largely due to their rivalry.

This week, Reese launched her new podcast, 'Unapologetically Angel', where she controversially claimed that some of Clark's fans are racist.

Reese’s injury is likely to settle the Rookie of the Year debate, making it easier for Clark to win the award. Although Clark was already the favorite, Reese was her closest competitor.

Reese will now focus on making a comeback for the 2025 season. The start date for next year's season is not yet announced, but the Draft is scheduled for April.

She finishes the 2024 season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, the highest rebound average in WNBA history. Reese ended the season with 446 total rebounds, including a record 172 offensive rebounds.

The 22-year-old is also set to join the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, which will begin in Miami this winter.

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