Chicago Sky rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso will have limited media availability this week ahead of Thursday’s game against the two-time reigning champion Aces.
The team explained that due to a recent change in the WNBA media access policy, the forward and the center will be exempt from all media availabilities at morning shootarounds, according to WGN TV in Chicago.
However, Reese and Cardoso will continue to be available during the pregame and postgame access windows throughout the season.
Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks to pass the ball against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024.Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
“Per a change in the WNBA Media Season Access policy, two players from each team can be exempt from all shootaround media availabilities. Angel Reese & Kamilla Cardoso are exempt,” the Sky said in a weekly media availability note, per WGN TV.
This comes amid debate about players — especially the league’s stars, including Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft — being too frequently interviewed during shootaround, pregame and postgame.
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) goes to the basket against the Indiana Fever during the second half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024.Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
There has also been chatter online about eliminating coaches’ interviews mid-game.
Aces head coach Becky Hammon seemed distracted and frustrated during an ESPN interview during the Aces’ season opener last month.
It’s unclear exactly why Reese and Cardoso were specifically exempt.
However, the No. 7 and No. 3 overall picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, respectively, are sought-after rookies.
Reese — who led LSU to the program’s first-ever national championship last year in a win over Clark and the Hawkeyes — is averaging a double-double in her rookie season.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky drives with the basketball in the first half against NaLyssa Smith #1 of the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.Getty Images
The Reebok athlete extended her WNBA rookie record with her eighth consecutive double-double in Sunday’s Sky win over Clark and the Fever.
Cardoso, who won an NCAA title with the Gamecocks in April against Clark’s Hawkeyes, has been a force on the boards and her game has transitioned nicely at the pro level.
She scored a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday.
Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Sky during the first half of a basketball game at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024.Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Reese and Cardoso became the WNBA’s first set of rookie teammates to record 15-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in the same game since 1998.
Reese finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds in the Sky’s first win against Indiana this season.
