The Chicago Sky are entering the 2026 WNBA season with a significantly altered roster following the trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 offseason. Reese, who spent two seasons with the Sky, was dealt as part of a broader roster overhaul led by general manager Jeff Pagliocca and head coach Tyler Marsh.
Fans and analysts have reacted to the moves, with some expressing disappointment over Reese’s departure. Delaney Sulzer, a recent DePaul graduate, told The DePaulia that Reese “just brought so much culture to the team” and that her impact, both on and off the floor, was “absolutely amazing.” Ayanna Nepos, a senior finance major at DePaul and a WNBA fan for four years, said she was “really sad” about the trade, noting she owns an Angel Reese jersey as her only official WNBA merchandise.
However, not all reactions were negative. Vincent Peña, a sports communications professor at DePaul, said he wasn’t surprised by the trade, stating factually that Reese “is not a great scorer,” though he acknowledged her value in rebounding and defense. Peña added that when a player is considered a franchise cornerstone, they need to contribute more than just rebounds and defense.
With Reese gone, the Sky have acquired several fresh players. The team traded Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson, who averaged 14.7 points per game and shot 42.4% from the field during her time with Los Angeles. Chicago similarly selected UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Jaquez posed with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected in New York on April 13, 2026. Her brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., plays in the NBA for the Miami Heat, making them the first siblings of Mexican descent to be selected by two major professional basketball leagues.
The Sky also brought back veteran forward Azura Stevens and added guard Skylar Diggins as part of their offseason acquisitions. General manager Jeff Pagliocca said the team “landed our targets” in the rebuild, emphasizing that the moves were made to put a plan together, improve dramatically, and establish a new identity for the franchise.
Despite the roster changes, questions remain about whether the new-look Sky represent an improvement over previous iterations. A Chicago Sun-Times analysis noted that while there are many new faces, it remains unclear if this version of the team differs meaningfully from past ones, describing the situation as a hard sell to fans who have seen similar promises of change before.
In related news, a report from Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune indicated that the Sky’s new $38 million training facility will not be ready for the 2026 season, delaying a key part of the organization’s long-term development plans.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May, with the Chicago Sky opening their campaign against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Fans will be watching closely to witness how the new roster performs and whether the front office’s vision for a rebuilt team translates to on-court success.
As the season approaches, the Sky uncover themselves at a pivotal moment. The departure of a popular player like Angel Reese has sparked conversation across the WNBA fanbase, but the organization maintains that the changes were necessary to build a more competitive and sustainable franchise moving forward.
For continued updates on the Chicago Sky and all WNBA news, fans are encouraged to follow official team channels and league announcements as the 2026 season draws near.
