Angel Reese shares candid moment with Satou Sabally, drops hint on possible return timeline from wrist injury

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese stunned the WNBA community on Saturday when she revealed her rookie season had been cut short due to a season-ending wrist injury. However, on Sunday, she hinted at her return timeline as she shared a post about her interaction with Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally.

Reese’s injury not only rules her out for the rest of the regular season but also the playoffs, which are set to begin on Sept. 22 and last until Oct. 20 at the latest.

Despite the setback, Reese hinted at her future plans in a post about her and Sabally, suggesting she’ll be ready to compete in the Unrivaled Basketball League. It is a 3-on-3 women’s league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, set to debut in January 2025 in Miami.

“Oh nothing just two baddies linking up waiting for baddies unrivaled league,” she said.

Unrivaled is designed to offer WNBA players a well-paying offseason alternative, with the highest average salaries in women’s professional sports history. Angel Reese, the league’s 10th signee, expressed her excitement on social media, writing, "305 BARBIEEEEE," referring to Miami's area code.

The league’s founding partners include renowned athletes and figures like US soccer stars Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, along with former NBA players Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash.

Angel Reese to use injury break for physical and mental recovery

In her injury announcement, Angel Reese also mentioned that she’s looking forward to her return to women’s basketball through the Unrivaled league and will use the time off for both physical and mental recovery.

“I am finally able to give myself a physical and mental break,” she said. “You’ll still see me being the biggest cheerleader on the sideline! And Unrivaled league, see you soon.”

Reese, the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft from LSU, finished her rookie season with 26 double-doubles, a league record for a rookie. Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas holds the single-season record with 28 double-doubles in 2023.

Reese leads the WNBA in total rebounds per game (13.1) and offensive rebounds per game (5.1).

Reflecting on her season-ending injury, Reese expressed satisfaction with her first year in the WNBA.

“What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2,” Angel Reese said in her injury announcement.

“Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed. All I have ever wanted was to come into the W and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so.”