Angel Reese opens up on Chicago Sky departure: 'I wanted more'

WNBA star discusses her trade from Chicago to Atlanta Dream, citing desire for more competitive environment

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game or match, with the players' movements and actions broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the intensity and competitiveness of the rivalry between the two stars.The ongoing rivalry between WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark takes center stage as the two players' teams vie for a championship.Chicago Today

WNBA star Angel Reese spoke out about her recent departure from the Chicago Sky during her first news conference with the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Reese, who was traded from Chicago to Atlanta earlier this month, expressed gratitude for her time with the Sky but said she 'wanted more' and desired to be 'surrounded by people that can make me better' in order to 'win and compete'.

Why it matters

Reese is one of the WNBA's most recognizable stars, known for her ongoing rivalry with fellow star Caitlin Clark. Her departure from the Sky and move to the Dream could set up an intriguing matchup between the two teams as they compete for a championship.

The details

Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6 in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, as well as the right to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028. In her first news conference with the Dream, Reese expressed gratitude for her time in Chicago but said she 'wanted more' and desired to be 'surrounded by people that can make me better' in order to 'win and compete'.

  • Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream on April 6, 2026.
  • Reese spoke about her departure from the Sky during her first news conference with the Dream on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A WNBA star who was recently traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.

Caitlin Clark

A WNBA star and Reese's ongoing rival, who plays for the Indiana Fever.

Chicago Sky

The WNBA team that Reese played for prior to being traded to the Atlanta Dream.

Atlanta Dream

The WNBA team that acquired Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky.

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What they’re saying

“I'm always gonna be grateful for that because I did experience a lot of great things. I enjoyed being able to grow within my first two years, but I wanted more. I love to win, I love to compete and I wanted to be surrounded by people that can make me better.”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

“And I am not satisfied with what I am as a player, and I felt like being around these kinds of players would help me be better. I can help them in different ways to help them win, and that's all I ever wanted.”

— Angel Reese, WNBA Player

What’s next

As the 2026 WNBA season progresses, the matchups between Reese's Atlanta Dream and Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever will be closely watched, with the potential for the two teams to meet in the playoffs as they both contend for a championship.

The takeaway

Reese's departure from the Chicago Sky and move to the Atlanta Dream highlights her drive to continually improve and compete at the highest level, even after early success in the WNBA. Her rivalry with Caitlin Clark adds an intriguing storyline as the two stars aim to lead their teams to a championship.