The WNBA free agency period has been a whirlwind of activity, with teams making bold moves to reshape their rosters. But one glaring reality has emerged—top free agents are choosing to play elsewhere, and Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky is being left behind.
Despite Reese’s confident proclamations about building a superteam in Chicago, the reality has been far different. Big-name stars have actively avoided signing with the Sky, and instead, many have chosen to join Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, strengthening what’s already becoming one of the most exciting franchises in the league.
So, why is no top-tier talent picking Chicago? Why is Indiana—previously seen as an undesirable destination—now attracting elite players? And most importantly, what does this mean for Angel Reese’s future in the WNBA?
Let’s break it all down.
Angel Reese’s Grand Plan Falls Apart
Just months ago, Angel Reese was brimming with confidence, claiming that she would be a key player in turning Chicago into a powerhouse. On her podcast and in interviews, she made it clear—she believed top players would want to join her.
“We’re building something special in Chicago,” Reese said. “The best players will want to be part of this.”
But now, as free agency unfolds, her words are coming back to haunt her.
Instead of a star-studded roster, the Sky are struggling to attract talent. While teams like Indiana, Las Vegas, and Phoenix have landed major signings, Chicago has seen one rejection after another.
The worst part? The biggest stars in free agency didn’t even seriously consider the Sky.
Top Free Agents Who Snubbed Chicago
The WNBA free agency was packed with superstar talent—players who could immediately transform a franchise. Here are some of the biggest names available and where they landed:
Kelsey Plum → Los Angeles Sparks
Jewell Loyd → Las Vegas Aces
Brittney Griner → Atlanta Dream
Alyssa Thomas → Phoenix Mercury
DeWanna Bonner → Indiana Fever
Natasha Howard → Indiana Fever
Kelsey Mitchell → Indiana Fever
Every single one of these elite players had the chance to join Chicago—and none of them did.
Instead, they either:
✅ Chose to team up with other superstars in more stable environments
✅ Went to franchises with a clear championship vision
✅ Joined teams that had strong leadership and front-office management
Meanwhile, Chicago sat on the sidelines, watching as the best talent slipped through their fingers.
Why Are Players Avoiding Chicago?
1. The Team is in Full Rebuild Mode
Let’s be honest—Chicago is not a championship contender.
With no elite talent secured, the Sky are now looking at another long season of struggling to compete. Reese and Camila Cardoso are great young players, but they aren’t enough to convince top veterans to sign up for a rebuild.
For big-name free agents, Chicago simply wasn’t an appealing destination.
2. Locker Room Drama & Unstable Leadership
Another major red flag for free agents is Chicago’s behind-the-scenes turmoil.
The Sky have already fired their head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, after just one season—a move that shocked many around the league.
Reports have also surfaced about internal issues, favoritism, and locker room tension. One league insider even suggested that Reese’s presence may be contributing to the Sky’s instability.
This isn’t just speculation—players talk, and when they hear about drama inside an organization, they avoid it.
3. Indiana Fever is the New Superteam
While Chicago struggled to recruit, Indiana Fever quietly became the biggest winner in free agency.
🔹 They landed veteran stars like DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard
🔹 They re-signed Kelsey Mitchell, one of the league’s top scorers
🔹 They even stole one of Chicago’s own—Brianna Turner
What’s the common theme here? These players want to play with Caitlin Clark.
Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable. She’s not just a generational talent—she makes her teammates better, attracts sponsors, sells out arenas, and boosts TV ratings.
For free agents, choosing Indiana over Chicago was a no-brainer.
The Reality Check for Angel Reese
Now, Angel Reese finds herself in a tough situation.
Instead of leading a championship-ready squad, she’s stuck on a team that’s still figuring things out. And without a strong supporting cast, her development could suffer as well.
Even worse, her reputation as an outspoken, sometimes controversial figure may be playing a role in why top players aren’t eager to join forces with her.
Fans React: “This is Embarrassing for Chicago”
WNBA fans have been brutal in their assessment of the Sky’s free agency struggles.
🗣️ “How do you go into free agency and sign literally no one?”
🗣️ “Angel Reese talked all that talk, and now no stars want to play with her. Yikes.”
🗣️ “Indiana just stole all the best free agents. Chicago is left with nothing.”
Meanwhile, Fever fans are celebrating as their team goes from rebuilding to title contention overnight.
What Happens Next?
The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, but Chicago is looking more lost than ever.
With free agency winding down, the Sky’s only hope now is to build through the draft—but that’s a long-term plan, not an immediate fix.
Meanwhile, Indiana Fever continues to stack their roster, ensuring that they’ll be a powerhouse for years to come.
For Angel Reese, this is a defining moment.
👉 Will she step up and prove she can carry a struggling team?
👉 Can she still attract talent in the future, or has her brand taken a hit?
👉 Will the Sky figure out their issues before it’s too late?
Final Thoughts – The WNBA’s Power Shift is Real
The WNBA’s power dynamics are changing, and Indiana Fever is emerging as the team to watch.
Chicago? They’re stuck in limbo, with no clear path forward.
And Angel Reese? She talked about building a superteam—but now she’s left watching as the actual superteam forms in Indiana.
One thing is for sure—this season will be must-watch, and the drama is far from over.
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