Angel Reese, the rebounding queen of the WNBA, has had a rookie season for the record books—literally. Despite a wrist injury cutting it short, she set the league ablaze with her paint domination and jaw-dropping board-snatching prowess. Reese finished the season with a colossal 446 rebounds, smashing the previous record of 404 held by Sylvia Fowles. Of course, the stat wasn’t safe for long, as MVP A’ja Wilson quickly topped it. And while Reese didn’t walk away with the Rookie of the Year trophy (thanks, Caitlin Clark), her place in the WNBA’s elite tier is cemented.
But wait—is Angel Reese leaving the WNBA? Is our beloved rebounding machine ditching the league for good? That question has floated around lately, and honestly, it might have even crossed your mind. Well, buckle up, folks, because the answer is a juicy blend of “yes” and “not really.” Reese is off to play in the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, but don’t panic yet. She’s not turning her back on the WNBA—she’s just spreading her wings.
What is This Unrivaled League, Anyway?
Founded by none other than New York Liberty’s freshly crowned champion Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx’s Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled is an innovative 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league. The league’s about to launch its first season in Miami in January 2025, and Reese will be right there with some of the WNBA’s best, including Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jewell Loyd. It’s basically the basketball Avengers assembling in Miami. Yes, it’s that epic.
Reese spilled the beans in an interview with Athlon Sports when asked about joining Unrivaled. “I’m excited for the league’s first season! It’s amazing to be part of something that gives equity to players. I’m looking forward to playing with the best athletes and really focusing on my game and getting better, too.” Talk about leveling up.
But here’s the shocker: Caitlin Clark, her rookie rival, won’t be joining. That’s right, the basketball dynamo who could launch this league to the moon is skipping out. Maybe she’s taking a breather after single-handedly setting the basketball world on fire? We get it, Caitlin—those cramping muscles need a break.
Angel Reese—The Businesswoman
Reese isn’t just a baller; she’s also a boss. Co-founder Collier even said it herself: “Angel is a businesswoman who understands the importance of these ventures.” And it shows. Reese isn’t just raking in rebounds; she’s raking in followers. With nearly 80,000 Instagram fans and her own podcast, Unapologetically, she’s keeping herself in the spotlight on and off the court.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Reese will be gunning for a jaw-dropping grand prize of at least $250,000 in Unrivaled’s 1v1 tournament. (No pressure, Angel, just a quarter of a million on the line.)
Angel’s Record-Breaking Rookie Season
Despite Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise, Angel Reese still managed to shine brightly. She led the league with a mind-boggling 13.1 rebounds per game and an insane 5.1 offensive boards per game—numbers that are the best ever in WNBA history. But wait, there’s more. Reese became the first player in league history to notch three consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds. She finished the season with 26 double-doubles—just two shy of Alyssa Thomas’s record-breaking 28. The girl doesn’t just play basketball; she inhales rebounds like they’re going out of style.
Her rookie season stats are nothing short of impressive: 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, all while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor. Those are solid numbers for any player, let alone a rookie. But Reese isn’t stopping there—oh no. She’s just getting started.
What’s Next for Angel Reese?
So, is she leaving the WNBA for good? Hardly. Think of this as a side hustle. The Unrivaled league is just a warm-up for Reese as she hones her skills, connects with other top athletes, and perhaps even increases her off-court empire. It’s not about jumping ship—it’s about building a bigger ship.
The real question is: Can Reese dominate both leagues? If her rookie season in the WNBA was just a taste of what she can do, we’re in for a wild ride. Don’t be surprised if she’s back next season, stronger, better, and ready to claim the throne. Keep your popcorn handy, because Angel Reese isn’t just staying in the WNBA—she’s about to own it.
