Angel Reese and Kahleah Copper, former teammates who won the inaugural Unrivaled 3-on-3 championship as part of Rose Basketball Club’s roster, have sparked widespread attention with their social media exchanges. The interactions, initially appearing as friendly teasing, have raised questions about the current state of their relationship.
The 23-year-old Chicago Sky forward Reese initiated the online sparring by teasing Copper, who is sidelined with a knee injury on the Phoenix Mercury, about her eyebrows being “messed up” due to cheating. Copper responded playfully but with a warning tone:
And don’t even start making up stuff on the net I’m not playing wit youuuuuu.
—Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury Player
However, the back-and-forth escalated when Reese accused Copper of “acting real shady” since their time at Unrivaled. Reese highlighted that Copper avoided direct conversation when they were both in Phoenix and had to resort to FaceTime to communicate:
Oh yeah I forgot to reply to this too… you been acting real shady since Unrivaled too. You didn’t even want to speak in Phoenix and had to FaceTime me after smh.
—Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward
Reese’s final jab in the exchange was blunt and direct:
You right. IM STILL OFF YOU.
—Angel Reese, Chicago Sky Forward
This dynamic contrasts sharply with the image of closeness fans saw during Unrivaled, where Reese often referred to Copper as “Grandma” in their behind-the-scenes videos. While the recent dialogue appears tense, both players have since allowed the conversation to settle.
From Championship Celebration to Challenging WNBA Seasons
During their Unrivaled 3-on-3 competition, Reese and Copper were celebrated for their strong chemistry and competitiveness, contributing significantly to the Rose Basketball Club’s victory. Their playful interactions, including TikTok roasts and Reese’s lighthearted attempts to recruit Copper back to Chicago, showcased their camaraderie.
Now, the atmosphere is markedly different. Copper is recovering from a knee injury with the Phoenix Mercury, and Reese faces difficulties in her sophomore WNBA season. The Chicago Sky have struggled to establish momentum, posting a disappointing 2-6 record overall, including 0-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup under first-year head coach Tyler Marsh. Most losses have been by double digits, indicating deeper team challenges.
Reese continues to average a double-double, with 10.1 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, though these figures are down from her rookie year. Her shooting efficiency has declined to 35.8%. Even a standout performance of 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Liberty on June 10 did not prevent a lopsided 85–66 defeat for Chicago.
Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca spoke candidly about the increasing expectations placed on Reese. As the franchise’s face and a rising WNBA star, her contributions are under close scrutiny. Pagliocca emphasized the need for Reese to deliver both through scoring and other facets of team play:
We need more production out of her, but we need her to help us in other ways, too,
he said.
She’s been putting the time in. She’s been a great teammate. She knows we need to use her in a variety of ways. We’re still trying to pinpoint the most advantageous part of that.
—Jeff Pagliocca, Chicago Sky General Manager
Potential Consequences and What Lies Ahead for the Players and Teams
The social media exchanges between Angel Reese and Kahleah Copper highlight the complexity behind public personas and private relationships in professional sports. Their shift from championship partners to social media rivals mirrors the challenges both face in their current WNBA campaigns. Reese, as a young star, confronts mounting pressure to elevate her performance amid a struggling team, while Copper focuses on recovery and reintegration into the Mercury lineup.
How this feud might influence their on-court dynamics or future interactions remains uncertain, but fans and analysts will closely watch both players as the WNBA season progresses. The unfolding situation underscores the intense scrutiny athletes face both on and off the court, especially when public banter brushes against underlying frustrations and competitive tensions.