In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the WNBA, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has been suspended indefinitely following a shocking on-court incident in which she struck Washington Mystics player Kiki Irien in the face. The league announced the suspension shortly after the game, citing not only the physical altercation but a growing pattern of conduct unbecoming of a player the WNBA has heavily marketed as one of its future stars.
A Slap That Changed the Narrative
The incident took place on June 17, 2025, during a tense matchup between the Sky and the Mystics. After missing a routine layup—a scene that’s become increasingly common for the forward this season—Reese, visibly frustrated, lashed out and slapped Irien across the face. The moment, broadcast live and replayed endlessly across social media, ignited immediate backlash from fans, analysts, and fellow players.
The slap was not subtle. It was deliberate, forceful, and most importantly, avoidable. For Reese, it wasn’t just a momentary lapse—it was yet another incident in a string of controversies that have plagued her career since entering the league.
A Pattern of Poor Judgment
Angel Reese’s struggles with on-court discipline are nothing new. Just last month, she was involved in a heated altercation with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark that nearly escalated into a brawl. Earlier this week, she received a technical foul for shoving Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa during a scuffle involving a rebound.
These repeated offenses have led many to question Reese’s temperament and leadership capabilities. “You can’t claim to be the face of a league and behave like this,” said one league executive, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This isn’t about passion. It’s about professionalism.”
A Star Losing Its Shine
Despite putting up respectable numbers—Reese recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds in the game—her performance was marred by poor decision-making, missed layups, and ultimately, her lack of composure. Chicago squandered a double-digit lead, ultimately losing the game in what can only be described as a collapse.
The real sting, however, came from the empty seats. The arena, which has a capacity well over 10,000, drew an announced attendance of just 7,500. Observers said it felt more like a high school game than a professional showdown. It’s a troubling sign for a player whom the league has marketed aggressively but who continues to fall short of expectations—both in terms of impact and drawing power.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
Much of the criticism leveled at Reese becomes more pointed when contrasted with Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise. Clark, who has already been credited with boosting WNBA viewership and ticket sales, continues to perform without the behavioral baggage that’s followed Reese from college to the pros.
ESPN recently reported record-breaking viewership numbers for a Team USA exhibition game featuring Clark. In contrast, Reese’s games have consistently struggled to fill arenas, a disconnect that fans and commentators have been quick to highlight.
“Reese gets the marketing push, but Clark delivers the results,” said one commentator on a national sports network. “You can’t manufacture a superstar. Fans can tell the difference.”
Suspension Sparks Broader Debate
Reese’s indefinite suspension has sparked a broader conversation about accountability in women’s sports. Is the league finally cracking down on behavior that’s been ignored for too long? Or is this just damage control to protect its brand?
WNBA head coach Tyler Marsh didn’t hold back after the incident, saying, “This wasn’t just about one moment. It was the culmination of too many moments. We have to hold our players to a higher standard.”
The league has also launched an internal investigation into the incident, and while details remain scarce, the message is clear: the WNBA is reevaluating how it balances star power with discipline.
A Career at a Crossroads
The path forward for Reese is murky. Her attempts to build a personal brand—including filing trademarks like “MeiBounds” for apparel—have garnered attention, but her actions continue to undermine her commercial and competitive potential.
Corporate sponsors are notoriously skittish when it comes to controversy. If Reese hopes to be the face of the league—or even remain relevant in it—she will need to not only regain the trust of her team and the league but also demonstrate that she can be a leader under pressure, not a liability.
Comparisons to NBA star Ja Morant have already begun. Morant’s own fall from grace—driven by repeated personal and professional missteps—serves as a cautionary tale. Despite undeniable talent, Morant’s once-promising career has been overshadowed by off-court controversies. The WNBA, it seems, is trying to prevent a similar narrative from taking hold.
The WNBA’s Marketing Gamble
The league now faces a difficult decision. Will it continue to promote a player whose behavior has become a distraction, or will it refocus on athletes who not only perform but uphold the values the WNBA claims to represent?
So far, the suspension suggests a pivot toward accountability. But critics remain skeptical, pointing out that past punishments have amounted to little more than symbolic gestures. Whether this marks a true change in direction remains to be seen.
The Bottom Line
Angel Reese’s latest suspension isn’t just about one incident—it’s about what she represents. For a league trying to expand its reach, increase revenue, and cultivate a loyal fanbase, the stakes are high. Reese has the talent to be a franchise player, but her conduct is quickly becoming her defining trait.
If the WNBA hopes to grow in stature and respect, it needs to send a clear message: being marketable isn’t enough. Professionalism, accountability, and leadership matter. For Angel Reese, the clock is ticking. How she responds now may determine not just her legacy—but her future in the sport.
