When the Chicago Sky close out their 2025 WNBA season, they’ll do so not with optimism, but with urgency and perhaps a warning.

A viral statistic exposing the team’s 1-12 record without Angel Reese has become a rallying cry for fans and a damning indictment of how fragile this franchise has become without its brightest star.

But now, as the Sky prepare for a pivotal offseason, it’s Reese herself leading the conversation with bold demands for change.

Despite being in just her second year, Reese is emerging as both the voice and the backbone of the team. And she’s no longer interested in playing nice.

“I’m not settling for the same stuff we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”

The comments, which sparked headlines and a half-game suspension, were not made in passing. They were strategic.

Reese, sidelined for stretches of the season due to injuries and internal drama, has now become the most powerful person in the building, even if she’s not officially calling the shots.

The 1-12 stat without Reese isn’t just viral, it’s symbolic. Chicago’s record when she’s unavailable turns what’s already a tough season into an outright embarrassment.

With her, they are at least competitive. Without her, they barely resemble a professional team.

The September 9 blowout against the Las Vegas Aces, a 92-61 drubbing, was the latest low point. Reese missed the full game, and the Sky looked directionless from the opening tip.

They trailed by double digits early and never recovered. It was the kind of loss that laid bare the fragility of a roster too dependent on one player.

A future in Chicago, but only on her terms

Reese’s contract technically keeps her in Chicago through 2027, but her tone has changed. Once seen as a long-term builder who bought into the city and its community, she’s now making it clear that loyalty is conditional.

“I’d like to be here for my career,” she said, “but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction.”

The list of demands is long but not unreasonable. She wants more investment in facilities. She wants a roster with shooting, ball movement and identity. And above all, she wants a true point guard who can take pressure off her and run the offense.

With Courtney Vandersloot recovering from an ACL injury at age 36, Reese is skeptical about counting on her to carry the load next season. Backups like Hailey Van Lith and Rachel Banham have underperformed when asked to fill in.

The Sky’s offseason crossroads

Chicago’s front office is not short on ambition. Trades involving high picks and attempts to acquire experienced players show that general manager Jeff Pagliocca is active. But results have been underwhelming.

This season was supposed to be built around Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, but injuries, poor spacing and inconsistent guard play undermined that vision quickly.

Now, with a new training facility set to open in Bedford Park and another offseason looming, the Sky are staring at a potential reset.

Reese is lobbying hard, not just for help, but for belief in her vision of what the team can become.

She points to teams like the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion squad that has already outperformed the Sky.

“Watching Golden State, no offense, but I don’t think they’re more talented than us on paper,” Reese said. “But they play hard as hell.”

If Chicago wants to land top free agents, they’ll need more than a new gym. They’ll need to prove they’re building something worth joining and that starts with Reese.