The basketball world is in shock after Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars, made a jaw-dropping announcement just days before the start of the 2025 season. During a live Instagram interview on March 9, Reese revealed that she would leave the United States to play in an international basketball league, citing lack of respect as her reason for departing.

“I’m leaving the United States. There’s no respect here.”

This unexpected statement immediately went viral, igniting a storm of reactions across social media. Fans, analysts, and fellow athletes have been debating whether this is a bold career move or an emotional reaction to the criticism Reese has faced throughout her WNBA tenure.

But what led to this shocking decision, and what does it mean for her future and the league?

Angel Reese’s Rising Stardom – A Promising WNBA Career Cut Short?
Reese has been one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball ever since she was drafted by the Chicago Sky. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, as she quickly established herself as a dominant force, especially in rebounding and inside scoring.

Her confidence, outspoken personality, and fearless playing style made her a fan favorite—but also a polarizing figure. While supporters praised her unapologetic attitude and competitive fire, critics constantly questioned her style of play, media presence, and emotional reactions on the court.

Throughout the 2024 season, Reese was the target of:

Controversial officiating calls that many believed were unfair.
Criticism over her aggressive playstyle, with some calling it “too physical”.
Debates over her media presence, where some claimed she was more focused on branding than basketball.
Unfair comparisons to Caitlin Clark, with many accusing the media of favoring Clark over Reese.
After months of frustration, it appears that Reese has had enough.

Her Next Destination? Europe or Asia Could Be the Answer
While Reese has not officially revealed which international league she plans to join, she hinted that Europe and Asia are on her radar.

“I did everything to prove myself, but here, they just look at me through a prejudiced lens,” Reese stated in her interview, her voice filled with disappointment.

Many WNBA stars have played overseas during the offseason to earn more money, but leaving the league entirely is an extremely rare move. Some speculate that Reese might be eyeing EuroLeague Women, which has seen a rise in popularity and offers competitive salaries and passionate fanbases. Others believe that China or South Korea, where women’s basketball has a strong following, could be an option.

By moving overseas, Reese may feel that she can rebuild her career in an environment where she believes she’ll receive more respect and recognition.

The Basketball World Reacts – Support or Criticism?
The reaction from the basketball community has been mixed.

A’ja Wilson, one of the WNBA’s biggest stars, expressed support for Reese, saying:
“She has every right to find the best place for her career. If she feels disrespected, she should go where she’s valued.”

Other players, including former teammates, have remained silent, possibly unsure about how to respond to such a major decision.

Some WNBA analysts, however, have not been as supportive.

One analyst stated: “Leaving the WNBA now is a mistake. This is the best league in the world, and if she wants to prove herself, she should do it here.”

Fans on social media have also been divided:

Supporters argue that Reese has been unfairly targeted and that the media has treated her differently than other players.
Critics claim that she is “running away” from challenges instead of facing them head-on.
Chicago Sky’s Reaction – Trying to Convince Her to Stay?
So far, the Chicago Sky organization has not made an official statement, but sources inside the team have expressed shock and concern over Reese’s decision.

One insider revealed:

“We had no idea she was planning this. Everyone is scrambling right now to see if we can convince her to stay before she signs with an overseas team.”

Chicago invested heavily in Reese as a future franchise player, so losing her would be a major setback for the team’s long-term plans.

If Reese follows through with her decision, Chicago may be forced to look for a replacement immediately.

A Bigger Debate – How Female Athletes Are Treated in the U.S.
Beyond Reese’s personal decision, this situation has reignited discussions about how female athletes, particularly Black women in sports, are treated in the U.S.

Many fans and activists argue that women’s sports still do not get the respect they deserve, and Black female athletes face additional scrutiny regarding their playing style, appearance, and public image.

Some believe that Reese’s departure could be a wake-up call for the WNBA to reevaluate how it supports and promotes its players.

However, others argue that respect is earned through performance, and if Reese