After a five-month break, Angel Reese dominates Unrivaled play, showcasing stellar stats and a renewed commitment to elite basketball environments.
Angel Reese did not plan on returning to Unrivaled this season. After a five-month break from competitive basketball, the Chicago Sky forward initially chose to sit out, focusing on business ventures and brand expansion. But persistent calls from players and coaches across the league changed her mind.
“From the first day Unrivaled started, they’ve been calling me to come back,” Reese said after her second appearance with Rose BC. “They’ve been really consistent because they love me here, and I love Unrivaled as well. Everybody’s called me — from all teams to my coaches to my teammates — to come back.”
Her return in Miami on February 20 immediately reminded observers why she remains one of the most influential young stars in women’s basketball. In just 10 minutes of action, Reese scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, shooting 6-of-9 from the field.
However, Rose BC ultimately fell 80-78 after a late basket by Kelsey Mitchell, but Reese’s efficiency and presence were unmistakable.
The performance followed a dominant inaugural Unrivaled season in which Reese led the league in rebounding, recorded its first 20-20 game, and captured Defensive Player of the Year honors. Teammates have consistently praised her motor and rebounding instincts, traits that translate regardless of format.
This time, however, Reese’s comments off the court carried as much weight as her stat line.
“They set the standard of what it feels like to be a pro,” Reese said of Unrivaled. “I don’t have to ask for anything. I don’t have to go outside and get my own doctors or do my own meal prep or anything. They have everything right here in your hands.”
The remark underscores a broader WNBA conversation about player resources and organizational investment. Franchises like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle have made significant commitments to facilities and infrastructure, while others are still catching up.
Chicago is developing a new practice facility, but the Sky have yet to consistently position themselves as a premier free-agent destination.
That context matters. Reese is entering her second WNBA season, and Chicago has struggled to build sustained momentum around her and fellow cornerstone Kamilla Cardoso. With a new CBA on the horizon and a potentially unprecedented free-agent class approaching, the next roster cycle could shape the franchise’s trajectory.
Reese’s return to Unrivaled also reflects her expanding influence beyond the court. In 2025, she reportedly earned $9.4 million, with the majority coming from endorsement deals rather than her WNBA salary.
She reintroduced herself to Unrivaled, wearing a new “Rose Dust” colorway of her signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, continuing a brand strategy that blends performance with visibility.
“I’ve always believed your style should match your mindset,” Reese said of the launch.
For Chicago, Reese’s decision to return to Unrivaled sends a clear message: elite players want to compete in environments that prioritize the full professional experience. If the Sky intend to build a contender around one of the league’s brightest stars, matching that standard may be just as important as any free-agent signing.