Chicago Sky Criticized for Giving Angel Reese's Jersey Number to New Acquisition

Fans accuse the team of disrespecting the former All-Star after her departure to the Atlanta Dream.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:25am

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A cubist, deconstructed painting depicting the dynamic motion of a basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.The Chicago Sky's decision to give Angel Reese's former jersey number to a new player has sparked a fractured, geometric reaction from fans.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have acquired Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks, and the team has decided to give her the same jersey number, No. 5, that was previously worn by former Sky star Angel Reese. This decision has sparked backlash from fans, who believe the Sky are intentionally disrespecting Reese after her public criticism of the team and her teammates. The Sky are moving on quickly from Reese, who averaged a double-double last season, and fans feel the team is being petty by giving her number to the new acquisition.

Why it matters

The Sky's decision to give Reese's number to Jackson is seen by fans as a direct slight against the former All-Star, who was a key part of the team's success. This move could further damage the relationship between Reese and the Sky organization, and it highlights the sensitive nature of jersey numbers and how they can be viewed as symbols of a player's legacy with a team.

The details

The Sky acquired Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, by sending guard Ariel Watkins to the Sparks. Jackson averaged 14 points and 3.6 rebounds last season. The Sky's general manager, Jeff Pagliocca, expressed excitement about Jackson's potential, saying the organization is 'excited to witness that growth firsthand.' However, fans are outraged that the team decided to give Jackson the same number that Reese wore, with many accusing the Sky of disrespecting the former player.

  • The Sky acquired Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks on April 10, 2026.
  • Angel Reese averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds for the Sky last season.

The players

Rickea Jackson

A 2024 fourth overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, who was recently acquired by the Chicago Sky. She averaged 14 points and 3.6 rebounds last season.

Angel Reese

A former All-Star for the Chicago Sky, who averaged a double-double of 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds last season. She has since been traded to the Atlanta Dream.

Jeff Pagliocca

The general manager of the Chicago Sky, who expressed excitement about the team's acquisition of Rickea Jackson.

Dan Padover

The general manager of the Atlanta Dream, who said acquiring Angel Reese was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

Ariel Watkins

A guard for the Chicago Sky who was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks as part of the deal to acquire Rickea Jackson.

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What’s next

The Sky have not indicated if they plan to retire Angel Reese's jersey number or if they will allow Rickea Jackson to continue wearing the No. 5 jersey.

The takeaway

The Sky's decision to give Rickea Jackson the same jersey number that Angel Reese wore has sparked outrage among fans, who view it as a disrespectful move towards the former All-Star. This incident highlights the sensitive nature of jersey numbers and the importance of honoring a player's legacy, especially when that player has been a key part of the team's success.