In a moment that stunned fans and left Chicago Sky head coach Natalie Nakase visibly speechless, WNBA rising star Angel Reese took center stage today to make a major personal announcement that is already sending shockwaves across the basketball world.
Speaking at a surprise press conference following a team shootaround, the former LSU national champion and current Sky forward delivered the news that she will be stepping away from professional basketball at the end of the 2025 WNBA season to pursue full-time philanthropic and business ventures—a move that few saw coming so early in her promising career.
“It is done,” Reese said, her voice steady but emotional. “I’ve accomplished so much on the court, but now I feel called to do something bigger off of it. I want to be more than an athlete—I want to be a movement.”
Reese, just 23 years old, has already become one of the most recognizable and marketable figures in women’s sports. Since entering the WNBA as a top draft pick, she has become a double-double machine, a fan favorite, and a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, social justice, and youth development.
Coach Natalie Nakase, only recently appointed as the Sky’s head coach, was visibly shaken by the news.
“Wow… I didn’t expect this,” Nakase said, pausing to collect her thoughts. “Angel is a once-in-a-generation player—but more than that, she’s a once-in-a-generation person. Her impact will be felt long after she leaves the hardwood.”
Reese emphasized that she is not retiring due to injury or disillusionment with the sport, but rather stepping into what she calls her “next chapter”—which includes a growing fashion brand, a foundation focused on inner-city youth, and a media production company aimed at elevating women’s voices in sports.
“Basketball gave me a platform,” she said. “Now I want to use it to build something lasting—for the next girl who looks like me and dreams even bigger.”
The announcement caught fans, teammates, and analysts by surprise. ESPN’s Andraya Carter called the decision “shocking, bold, and deeply inspirational,” while social media erupted with messages of support under hashtags like #ThankYouAngel, #MoreThanAnAthlete, and #AngelEffect.
Reese made it clear she intends to finish this season with full commitment, and vowed to “go out swinging—with one last run for the championship.”
“I’m not done yet,” she said, smiling through tears. “We’ve got a season to finish—and trust me, I’m coming for everything.”