The Unrivaled league is about to get a major jolt of star power as Angel Reese makes her highly anticipated return! It seems the magnetic pull of the three-on-three game was too strong to resist, and fans are buzzing with the news that Angel Reese will be rejoining the Rose squad for the crucial final stretch of the 2026 season. After a whirlwind of activities since her last WNBA season, Reese is back on the court where she first made waves as a dominant force.
Reese, who was a standout player in Unrivaled's inaugural season, earning accolades as the league's rebounding leader and defensive player of the year, has expressed her fondness for the league. Her recent social media posts hinted at a longing for the competition, and now it's official – she's back to electrify the league for its final three regular-season matchups. While she won't be participating in the intense 1-on-1 tournament, her presence will undoubtedly be felt as the Rose team pushes for a playoff spot. The games kick off on February 20th, and with the Rose currently sitting at 5-6 and in fifth place, Reese's return couldn't come at a more critical juncture.
But here's where it gets interesting: Reese is stepping back into a familiar and successful environment. She'll be reuniting with the core of the Rose team that clinched the Unrivaled championship last year. Imagine the synergy with players like the reigning finals MVP Chelsea Gray, the dynamic Kahleah Copper, and the ever-reliable Lexie Hull! This reunion promises to be a formidable force.
And this is the part most people miss... The league has seen some shifts recently. With Aari McDonald unfortunately ruled out for the rest of the season, there was an opening in the player roster. Adding to the strategic moves, a recent trade saw Azurá Stevens depart the Rose for the Hive. Now, Reese is stepping into that very void, bolstering the Rose's frontcourt and adding a significant offensive and defensive presence.
Reese hasn't exactly been resting on her laurels during the offseason. Since wrapping up her second WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, she's been a true multi-hyphenate! She strutted her stuff on the Victoria's Secret runway in October, has a signature sneaker with Reebok dropping later this month (talk about stepping up her game!), and even collaborated on a Reese’s and Oreo snack with Paige Bueckers – a delicious combination, no doubt! Beyond the court and the runway, Reese is expanding her media footprint, appearing in Season 2 of “Hunting Wives” on Netflix and even joining the production in January. On the athletic front, she participated in Team USA minicamp in December and was present at the NBA Europe game in London. It's clear Reese is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court.
It's worth noting that Unrivaled has faced some challenges with star power this season, with Napheesa Collier and Sabrina Ionescu sidelined due to injuries. While other superstars like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark haven't yet graced the Unrivaled courts, Ionescu has been a visible presence, even joining the broadcast. Now, with Reese's return, the league is regaining a significant piece of its star power for this final month of competition.
What do you think about Angel Reese's return to Unrivaled? Does her presence guarantee a championship for the Rose? Or are there other teams poised to challenge them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
