The WNBA announced Thursday, Sept 4, that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has been suspended for one game after receiving her eighth technical foul of the season.
But beyond the disciplinary action, the bigger story may be what fans won’t get to see: another chapter in the high-profile rivalry between Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Missed Matchups: Reese vs. Clark
Reese will sit out Friday’s matchup against the Fever in Indianapolis, sidelined due to league rules on technical fouls. Clark, meanwhile, remains unavailable as she continues to recover from a groin injury that has kept her off the court for six weeks.
That means fans will again be denied the marquee showdown that defined women’s college basketball just two seasons ago. Despite five scheduled meetings between the Sky and Fever this season, Reese and Clark have only faced each other once — back on May 17 during the season opener.
The absence of both stars has left fans frustrated, with the much-anticipated rivalry still more of a headline than a reality.
The Technical That Tipped the Scale
Reese’s suspension stems from a second-quarter play in Wednesday’s win over the Connecticut Sun. While battling for a rebound, she struck Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards on the back of the head with her hand.
The foul was called technical, and although Sky coach Tyler Marsh said he planned to challenge the decision, the league upheld it.
The technical marked Reese’s eighth of the year, automatically triggering a one-game suspension under WNBA rules.
Frustration Boiling Over in Chicago
Reese, 23, has already been in the news this week after expressing frustration with Chicago’s disappointing season. The Sky, now 10–30, will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Speaking candidly, Reese said she didn’t want 2026 to feel like 2025 and that the team needed to “get great players.” She went further, hinting at her own future:
“If Chicago didn’t improve, I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me.”
Afterward, the All-Star apologized to her teammates and coaches, clarifying that she should have chosen her words more carefully.
A Star Caught Between Expectations and Frustrations
Reese’s suspension adds to the narrative of a breakout season where her talent has shone just as brightly as her emotions.
Fans love her fire, but critics point to her frequent clashes with officials. With the Sky rebuilding and Reese emerging as the franchise cornerstone, her suspension underscores the fine line between passion and control.
As for Friday’s game, what could have been another blockbuster matchup between two of basketball’s most-watched young stars will instead be missing both. For the WNBA — and its fans — that’s the real loss.
