Angel Reese returns to Unrivaled to defend championship with Rose BC
Sep 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) brings the ball up court against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Angel Reese is heading back to Miami. The WNBA star officially announced her return to Unrivaled on Wednesday, rejoining Rose BC for the remainder of the 3-on-3 league’s second season. After initially opting not to play this year, Reese will now help defend the championship she won with Rose during Unrivaled’s inaugural campaign.
The timing couldn’t be better for the defending champions, who currently sit at 5-6 and hold fifth place in the league standings heading into the playoffs. Reese’s return comes just in time to bolster a Rose squad that has been led by Chelsea Gray (25.1 points, 6.6 assists, 5.5 rebounds), Kahleah Copper (19.3 points, 4.9 rebounds), and Shakira Austin (16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds) this season.
Trade opens door for Reese’s comeback
Reese’s addition was made possible by a recent three-way trade, only the second in league history. The deal sent Vinyl BC guard Courtney Williams to Breeze BC, Hive BC guard Saniya Rivers to Vinyl BC, and Rose forward Azurá Stevens to Hive BC. Stevens’ departure created the opening for Reese in Rose’s frontcourt.
The former LSU star dominated during her first Unrivaled season, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and making league history with the first 20-20 game. Reese scored 20 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in a matchup against the Lunar Owls, showcasing the dominant presence that helped Rose capture the inaugural title.
Her teammate Kahleah Copper expressed excitement about the reunion on social media. Under a recent TikTok video of Reese unboxing items from Australia, Copper wrote, « You unboxing [expletive], like bring your ass to Miami. » She later added, « Inbox this Rose jersey. » Reese responded with « AYOOOOO, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??!!!?!? »
Reese’s season debut is scheduled for Friday, February 20, when Rose faces Hive at 8:45 p.m. ET on TNT and truTV. The game will also stream on HBO Max, following the completion of the league’s 1-on-1 tournament. With the regular season ending February 27th and playoffs beginning immediately after, Reese’s return provides crucial reinforcement for Rose’s championship defense.
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