WNBA 2024: Angel Reese Sparks Excitement for Chicago Sky

Angel Reese, selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky, brought a new wave of excitement to the league. With her strong talent and bold personality, Reese, alongside college rival and fellow rookie Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, created a buzz that energized fans and amplified the league’s visibility. “It’s been an incredible ride,” Reese said after her debut season. “We’re here to show that women’s basketball deserves all the attention it’s getting—and more.”

The 2024 WNBA season marked significant milestones, as the playoffs delivered the league’s highest TV ratings in 25 years. Attendance soared, and merchandise sales surged to new levels, indicating a robust interest in the sport. In fact, the June 2024 game between the Sky and the Fever, which aired on ESPN, drew 2.35 million viewers, the highest for a regular-season game in over two decades. Comparatively, the 2023 season saw viewership numbers that were 30% lower, emphasizing the league’s remarkable growth.

Despite finishing with a 13-27 record and missing the playoffs, Chicago Sky’s co-owner and operating chair Nadia Rawlinson remains optimistic. “We’re in a good place now,” Rawlinson told The Athletic. “Our revenue streams are strong, and to see packed arenas and games selling out—it’s fantastic.”

Fans share her optimism. “We’ve never seen the Sky draw this kind of attention,” said one loyal supporter outside Wintrust Arena. “It’s great to see this growth, even if we didn’t make the playoffs this year.”

What’s Next for the Sky?

Looking forward to the 2025 season, the Sky have a 17.8% chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick, with Connecticut star guard Paige Bueckers widely expected to be the top choice. Adding such talent could significantly improve the Sky’s performance, but the team will need to strategize carefully to bounce back next season.

Some analysts suggest that Chicago needs to bolster its defensive strategies and improve perimeter shooting to compete at the highest level. “Their ability to lock down on defense has been inconsistent, which cost them close games,” said WNBA analyst Sarah Kustok. “Developing a more balanced approach, combined with the potential addition of a star player like Bueckers, could turn things around for them.”

The WNBA League’s Expansion and Its Impact

The WNBA’s expansion plans are also generating excitement. The Golden State Valkyries will join the league in 2025, followed by teams from Toronto and Portland in 2026. Golden State is expected to bring a massive fan base, riding on the popularity of the NBA’s Warriors. Similarly, Toronto has a passionate basketball community, while Portland has a rich history with women’s basketball at the collegiate level.

“These expansions will continue to elevate the WNBA’s profile internationally and domestically,” said Rawlinson. “The last 18 months have been extraordinary for the league, and we’re just getting started.”

Engage with the Story

For fans who want to dive deeper, check out highlights from the Sky vs. Fever game here and explore how Reese’s and Clark’s rivalry played out on the professional stage. To visualize the league’s growth, take a look at this season’s statistics compared to previous years in this interactive chart here.

As the WNBA prepares for a new era of expansion and increased media coverage, the Chicago Sky and other teams are positioning themselves to capitalize on the momentum. The next season could bring even more surprises, as the league continues its meteoric rise.

@Marca