Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Sky Announces Historic News Before Angel Reese's Third Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 2:34 PM ET

Angel Reese finished a strong second season, averaging 14.7 points and leading the WNBA with 12.6 rebounds per game. Despite her individual success, the Chicago Sky struggled, finishing 10–34 in 2025 after a 13–27 record in 2024. Although she was the No. 7 pick, her record-breaking double-doubles and elite rebounding have not yet resulted in a winning record for Chicago.

But the 6' 3" forward dominated internationally by leading Team USA to a perfect 5–0 record with 8.0 rebounds per game during the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) stands on the sidelinesKamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

With the qualifier wrapped and the 2026 season approaching, Chicago dropped a piece of historic news, announcing a two-game preseason schedule.

They will play against the Phoenix Mercury on April 25 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It will be the first WNBA game ever played in the state of South Dakota. Then, on April 29, the Sky will return to Wintrust Arena for a home game against the Atlanta Dream.

INBOX:
Chicago Sky Announce Two-Game 2026 Preseason Schedule

The Chicago Sky today announced two preseason games ahead of their 2026 schedule, on April 25 against the Phoenix Mercury and on April 29 versus the Atlanta Dream.

The Sky will first play the Phoenix Mercury on April…
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) March 23, 2026

And the regular season tips off May 9 on the road against the expansion Portland Fire at Moda Center, with Chicago's first home game set for May 20 against the Dallas Wings.

The timing of this major announcement coincides with a significant pay raise for Angel Reese. Under the league’s 2026 CBA agreement, Reese’s salary is expected to jump from $81,000 to roughly $390,000.

This nearly five times increase is possible because the league's salary cap rose to $7 million, and players now receive 20% of league revenue.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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