Angel Reese’s Chicago Return Met With Empty Seats and Tough Questions for the WNBA
Angel Reese’s Chicago Return Met With Empty Seats and Tough Questions for the WNBA
Angel Reese’s homecoming to Chicago was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it turned into a sobering snapshot of the challenges the WNBA still faces.
On a night when the Sky’s rookie star returned to the lineup at Wintrust Arena, fans and analysts expected energy, buzz, and a raucous crowd. What they got instead were thousands of empty seats—an estimated 3,000 unsold—and a game marked by sloppy execution, missed layups, and a muted atmosphere that left Reese and her teammates visibly frustrated.
A Quiet Welcome for a Rising Star
Reese entered the league with enormous hype after her electric run at LSU, where she became a national champion and one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball. Drafted by the Sky in 2024, she was heralded as both a force in the paint and a charismatic personality who could help elevate the league’s popularity.
But Tuesday’s game didn’t match the hype. Entire sections of the arena sat half-empty, undermining what should have been a marquee moment for the young forward.
“I always play hard, no matter what,” Reese said afterward. “But it’s always more fun when the fans are there, loud, cheering us on. We feed off that energy. Tonight… I wish more could have made it out.”
A Night of Missed Opportunities
On the court, things weren’t much better. The Sky missed easy looks—including several uncontested layups—that drew groans from the sparse crowd. Reese hustled on the boards and provided her usual energy, but the lack of crowd support seemed to sap momentum.
What was meant to be her “return game” turned into a reflection of a broader issue: when the product on the floor doesn’t match expectations, the atmosphere suffers, and fans are even less likely to show up next time.
Why the Seats Stayed Empty
The low turnout raised uncomfortable questions. Is this a Chicago problem—or a WNBA problem?
The league has grown its television ratings and digital presence, fueled by new stars like Reese and Caitlin Clark. Social media clips trend quickly, and online conversations are more active than ever. Yet, that visibility hasn’t consistently translated into ticket sales.
Some critics blame the on-court product, pointing to sloppy stretches of play. Others argue that women’s basketball is unfairly judged—where one poor game becomes an indictment of the entire league.
Veteran journalist Vicki Johnson summed it up: “If a men’s game is poorly played, we call it an off night. When it happens in the WNBA, people act like it proves women’s sports can’t sell. That double standard has to end.”
The Bigger Picture
Chicago fans aren’t strangers to women’s basketball success. The city rallied around Candace Parker and the Sky’s 2021 championship run. But sustaining that enthusiasm season after season, especially during midweek games against non-rival opponents, remains a hurdle.
For the WNBA, the challenge is translating digital buzz into in-person loyalty. Until fans who watch highlights on their phones buy tickets and fill arenas, stories like Reese’s muted return will continue to surface.
What’s Next for Reese and the League
For Angel Reese, the disappointing homecoming doesn’t erase her star power. She remains one of the league’s most marketable young talents, with the charisma and game to back it up. But Tuesday night was a reminder that even the brightest stars can’t single-handedly fix systemic issues.
“The only way things change is if we keep showing up and showing out,” Reese said after the game. “I’ll keep bringing it every game. I hope the fans come along for the ride.”
Whether that hope becomes reality—or whether more empty seats continue to haunt the league—remains to be seen.
