Angel Reese, who joined the Atlanta Dream in April after being traded from the Chicago Sky, has found a new sense of belonging in her new team. Speaking with Terrika Foster-Brasby following the Dream’s victory over the Dallas Wings on July 29, she described the experience as a sisterhood, noting how the team has supported her through both high and low moments.
The three-time All-Star, known for her dynamic play, has largely stayed quiet in media conversations this year. In a discussion with ESPN’s Kareem Copeland in early July, she admitted it had been difficult to speak out in the past two years. 'But I felt it was important to step up and speak for my teammates,' Reese said, highlighting her growing role as a vocal advocate.
Reese also brought attention to the fact that not a single Atlanta player was chosen as an All-Star starter this season. She used the moment to address broader issues, encouraging young women to be bold and step beyond the limitations others try to place on them. 'We need to break out of the boxes people try to put us in,' she said, emphasizing the importance of courage in personal and professional growth.
In a recent exchange with sports journalist Monica McNutt, Reese praised her for being a trailblazer. 'You that girl,' she said, acknowledging McNutt's bold presence on ESPN. 'OK, period! That's a Black queen right there.' McNutt, now a central figure in the network’s WNBA coverage, has been instrumental in reshaping how the league is perceived by fans and media alike.
ESPN and the Push for Diversity
McNutt’s growing influence stems from her insightful and unflinching WNBA analysis, which has helped elevate coverage of the league. Her efforts were recognized by ESPN, which gave her a multi-year contract extension in 2024. Her work highlights the increasing demand for intelligent and nuanced reporting in women’s sports.
Reese’s comments about representation at ESPN come as the network faces questions about its direction. Ryan Clark, a former ESPN personality, recently shared on his podcast that he was laid off in part because of his vocal stance on social and political issues. The move has drawn attention to the network’s evolving editorial stance and how it balances controversy with content.
Despite these challenges, ESPN continues to showcase a wide range of voices in its WNBA coverage. Reese and McNutt, as trailblazers in their own right, contribute to this effort, helping to promote a more inclusive and empowering narrative for Black women in sports and media.