WNBA players are calling out the Chicago Sky organization, describing it as one of the toughest places to play. From Izzy Harrison’s escape to Angel Reese’s struggles, here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes.
The Chicago Sky’s Reputation Is Getting Worse
Let’s be real—when players start talking about your team like it’s a prison sentence, something’s off. The Chicago Sky are catching heat again, and not from haters online—but from players themselves. Izzy Harrison, who spent time in Chicago before joining the New York Liberty, didn’t hold back when reflecting on her old team.
She literally said, “Thank God he saved me from Chicago.” That line alone tells you everything.
Harrison went from being a near-max player to taking a minimum contract just to get away. That’s not a pay cut, that’s a full-on escape mission. When players are willing to lose money just to get out, it’s not just about basketball anymore—it’s about survival.
Izzy Harrison’s Escape Story
Izzy’s story sums up what a lot of players have quietly hinted at. She barely played for New York last season but was still grateful—grateful—to just be out of Chicago.
“I know I can contribute in crucial moments… I just want to be somewhere that lets me play,” Harrison said. “Thank God he saved me from Chicago.”
That’s wild. Think about it: she didn’t just want a new opportunity—she wanted freedom. That’s how bad the Sky’s environment must have felt.
And honestly, her play in New York proved something. She wasn’t washed. She wasn’t lazy. She was just in a terrible situation in Chicago that made her look worse than she really was. Once she got out, she looked like a different player.
From Max to Minimum: A Massive Fall
It’s insane to think Harrison went from a high-value player to someone fighting for minutes on a minimum contract. That’s the kind of drop-off you usually only see when someone’s career completely collapses. But in her case, it wasn’t ability—it was circumstance.
Chicago’s situation has turned solid vets into reclamation projects. You could probably say the same for players like Kahleah Copper’s former teammates—who all looked better once they left.
And it’s not just Izzy. People have said similar things for years about what it’s like behind the scenes in that organization. Whether it’s lack of support, poor communication, or just low morale, the Sky’s image around the league isn’t looking good.
Players Talk Like It’s a Sentence, Not a Season
“Players talk about leaving the Sky like they were in federal prison.”
That line went viral for a reason—it’s not far from the truth. Nobody’s saying Chicago is evil or anything, but when multiple players over several seasons all express relief about leaving, it’s not coincidence.
It’s culture.
And the sad part? Most of these players aren’t being dramatic. They’re veterans who’ve played in different cities, under different coaches, and know what good organizations feel like. When they say the energy in Chicago is off, maybe we should listen.
Who Actually Likes Playing in Chicago?
Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley—pretty much the only two who’ve ever publicly said positive things about the Sky. And that’s understandable. They built their careers there, they had success, and they were treated like stars.
But outside of that duo? Crickets.
Even Angel Reese, as talented as she is, doesn’t seem to be thriving in the current setup. Her rookie year was filled with drama, inconsistent performances, and constant media noise around her. None of that helps a young player grow.
Camila Cardoso might be the only current player who genuinely seems happy there, mostly because of her relationship with coach Jeff Pagliocca. But for everyone else—it’s like counting down the days until free agency.
Why the Sky Can’t Keep Good Energy
A big part of the issue seems to be how the organization handles conflict. When a teammate called others out publicly, management reportedly sided with the locker room instead of addressing the real problems. That’s a tough situation for everyone involved—and it shows how disconnected leadership might be.
The Sky finished near the bottom of the league last year, tied for last in some key categories. That doesn’t happen just because of talent. It happens because of culture.
Players can feel when something’s broken internally. And when your own vets are checking out mentally, the young stars are the ones who suffer most.
What’s Next for Chicago?
Honestly, they can’t get much worse. The only direction is up from here. The roster still has potential, especially if Angel Reese and Camila Cardoso continue to develop. But if the Sky want to change their image, it starts with how they treat players—on and off the court.
Because right now, every time a former Sky player speaks, it feels like a confession.
And that’s not what you want your brand to be known for.
Final Thoughts
Izzy Harrison’s story isn’t just about one player—it’s about a pattern. When athletes keep saying the same thing about an organization, you can’t call it coincidence anymore. The Chicago Sky might not be the worst-run team in the WNBA, but they’ve definitely built a reputation that no one wants.
As one fan said online: “Leaving Chicago isn’t a trade—it’s parole.”
Ouch.
If the Sky want to escape that image, it’s time for a reset. New energy, new leadership, and a new approach to how they value their players. Until then, expect more players to follow Izzy’s lead and thank the basketball gods when they finally get out.
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