Angel Reese Considers Leaving the U.S. After Rookie of the Year Snub: “Maybe It’s Time to Go Where I’m Valued”

Angel Reese, one of the brightest young talents in women’s basketball, is reportedly contemplating a dramatic move overseas following a shocking Rookie of the Year (ROTY) voting result that left her with just a single vote. The snub has not only stunned fans and analysts alike but also raised serious questions about the voting process, fairness in recognition, and how women — especially Black women — are treated in professional sports.

A Stellar Rookie Season, But No Reward

Reese’s rookie season with the Chicago Sky was nothing short of impressive. Known for her tenacity, court awareness, and leadership, the 22-year-old forward was a dominant force throughout the season. Her rebounding, defensive grit, and emotional fire helped transform the Sky into a competitive team.

Given her performance, many believed she was a clear contender — if not the obvious choice — for the WNBA’s prestigious ROTY award. So when the voting results were released and showed that Reese had received just one vote, the news reverberated across the sports world.

“I poured my heart and soul into this season,” Reese said in an emotional post-game interview. “To receive just one vote feels like a slap in the face. It makes me question whether my contributions are truly valued here.”

The Fallout: Frustration and Fury

Reese’s comments triggered a tidal wave of support on social media. Fans, fellow athletes, and even some coaches expressed disbelief that a player of her caliber had been so overlooked. Hashtags like #JusticeForAngel and #ROTYsnub trended across platforms as fans questioned the integrity of the voting process.

Many pointed out that the ROTY vote seemed to reflect not just performance, but perhaps politics — an unsettling possibility in a league that claims to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Angel Reese isn’t just a great player,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “She represents the future of the WNBA. If she’s not being valued, what message does that send to young girls watching at home?”

A Bigger Decision: Stay or Go?

Behind the scenes, sources close to Reese say the snub has forced her to think deeply about her future — and that includes the possibility of leaving the United States to pursue opportunities overseas.

“I love competing at the highest level,” she said. “But if my efforts are not valued here, maybe it’s time to explore other opportunities where I can feel appreciated.”

That simple but powerful statement has sparked speculation that Reese may follow in the footsteps of other elite WNBA players who have chosen to play abroad for greater respect, better pay, and more recognition. In countries like Turkey, Russia, and China, women’s basketball stars can often earn two to three times more than they do in the WNBA, all while being treated like national icons.

A Familiar Pattern: Black Women in Sports

Reese’s potential departure also reopens an ongoing conversation about how Black women athletes are treated in professional sports. From Serena Williams to Simone Biles, many have spoken out about the double standards, harsh criticism, and systemic biases they face — not because of their performance, but because of how they look, speak, or express themselves.

“Angel’s frustration is valid and understandable,” said one former WNBA player. “We’re told to play hard, stay humble, and let our game speak. But when we do that, and still get ignored, what then? Where’s the justice in that?”

For Reese, who has never shied away from expressing herself — whether on the court or in the media — this ROTY snub feels like more than just a loss. It feels personal.

The Bigger Picture: The WNBA’s Crossroads

Reese’s frustration also highlights a larger issue facing the WNBA. The league is in the middle of a visibility boom, driven in large part by a new generation of stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Reese herself. But with increased attention comes greater scrutiny — and tougher questions about fairness, equity, and the league’s long-standing struggles with recognition and pay equity.

If a player like Angel Reese — with undeniable stats, charisma, and fan support — can be so thoroughly overlooked, what does that say about the league’s priorities?

Some critics argue that Reese is being penalized for being unapologetically confident — a quality celebrated in male athletes but often criticized in women, particularly Black women. Others suggest that Reese’s outspoken nature has made her a target in a league that still leans heavily on carefully curated images and media-friendly personas.

What Happens Next?

So far, Reese has not made any official announcement about her future. Her contract with the Chicago Sky remains intact, and she is still scheduled to appear in upcoming games. But the emotional weight of the ROTY snub — and her pointed comments — suggest that the decision to stay in the WNBA may not be as certain as it once seemed.

Whatever she chooses, Reese’s voice is being heard loud and clear — not just by fans, but by a league that may soon be forced to reckon with how it treats its most dynamic and courageous players.

“If Angel walks,” one sports columnist wrote, “it won’t just be a loss for Chicago. It will be a wake-up call for the entire league.”