Angel Reese Exits Unrivaled’s Second Season
Angel Reese, a prominent player for the Sky, will not be returning for the second season of Unrivaled. This league was pioneered by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Unrivaled recently announced its final roster for the upcoming season, which includes Dominique Malonga, Aari McDonald, and Rebecca Allen, but Reese’s name was notably absent.
Reese’s Contributions and Recognition
In the inaugural season, Angel Reese played a key role in securing the championship for her team, Rose BC. She also earned the title of Defensive Player of the Year. Throughout her sophomore season in the WNBA, Reese consistently praised Unrivaled for its impact on her growth as a player. She recently expressed her support for the league on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.”
Injuries and Offseason Plans
Reese concluded her season with the Sky sidelined due to a back injury. Currently, she has not disclosed her plans for offseason basketball. Alongside Reese, other notable absences from the second season include Jewell Loyd and Kayla McBride, who will not return due to various reasons, including recovery from an ACL injury for Sky free agent Courtney Vandersloot.
Unrivaled’s Expansion and Roster Changes
Unrivaled began last year as a league for WNBA’s elite athletes. Its second season will continue to feature elite talent, with 80% of players being from the All-WNBA first and second teams. The expanded roster now includes 48 players, a significant increase from last season’s numbers. This change has slightly diluted the league’s elite status.
Prominent Absences and Future Prospects
The league is also missing standout stars such as 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson and 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. However, fans of the Sky can still look forward to seeing familiar faces, including Rachel Banham and Rebecca Allen, who will participate in Miami this winter.
Coaching Changes in Unrivaled
- Rena Wakama, a Sky assistant coach, has been appointed as one of eight coaches for Unrivaled.
- Teresa Weatherspoon, a former Sky coach and mentor to Reese, will also be involved in coaching duties.
Upcoming Season Details
Season 2 of Unrivaled is set to kick off on January 5. As conversations around the current Collective Bargaining Agreement see rising tensions, the league’s developments will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
