As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, excitement is building among fans and players alike, especially for the Chicago Sky, who are set to showcase their talents in a highly anticipated preseason matchup against Brazil's women's national team. The game, which is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET, will take place at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a familiar venue for Chicago's star player, Angel Reese.
Reese, a former LSU standout, is returning to her collegiate stomping grounds after a stellar rookie season in the WNBA. During her time with the Tigers, she averaged an impressive 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game, leading LSU to its first NCAA Championship in 2023. After being selected as the No. 7 pick in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, Reese quickly established herself as one of the league's top performers, leading the WNBA in rebounds per game with an average of 13.1 and contributing 13.6 points per game in her debut season.
Joining Reese on the court will be fellow Chicago Sky players, including rookie Hailey Van Lith, who also played for LSU, and veteran Courtney Vandersloot. Vandersloot, a former champion with the Sky, returns to the team after a successful stint with the New York Liberty, where she averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 assists per game during her championship season. Van Lith, who made the Elite 8 in all five of her college seasons, is expected to bring her competitive spirit and skill to the Sky this season.
In a pre-game ceremony, LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey presented Reese and Van Lith with flowers and a traditional LSU Win! bar, marking their homecoming. "We are excited to host a WNBA game in May featuring the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese," Mulkey stated. "Angel played a major role in establishing our program at LSU, and I know our fans are going to be excited to have her back in the PMAC. She had such a great rookie season, and we can’t wait to continue to watch her thrive in the WNBA."
Reese expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Baton Rouge, stating, "I’m very excited the Sky will play a preseason game at LSU. It will be amazing to return to Baton Rouge, a community that means so much to me. LSU was instrumental in preparing me for the WNBA, and I can’t wait to hit the court in front of both Tigers and Sky fans!"
On the opposing side, Brazil's national team will be looking to make a statement in this matchup. Kamilla Cardoso, who led the Brazilian team in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, averaged 15.3 points and 11.0 rebounds, despite Brazil ultimately not qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Cardoso’s experience and skill will be crucial as the team faces off against a formidable Chicago Sky squad.
The game is part of a broader trend in the WNBA, which is set to televise every preseason game for the first time ever, allowing fans nationwide to tune in. The matchup between the Sky and Brazil will be aired live on ION, with streaming options available through platforms like FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
As the Chicago Sky look to improve upon their 2024 season, where they finished with a 13-27 record and missed the postseason by just two games, this preseason game serves as a critical opportunity to build chemistry among the players. The Sky are hopeful that the addition of Reese, Vandersloot, and Van Lith will help elevate their performance and push them into contention for the playoffs this year.
With the anticipation of the 2025 WNBA season growing, fans are eager to see how the Chicago Sky will fare against Brazil. The team is looking to bounce back and make a significant impact, and this game could be a pivotal moment in their journey. All eyes will be on the court as Reese, Cardoso, and their teammates battle it out in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
The 2025 WNBA preseason schedule features several compelling matchups, but none quite like this one. As the Sky take on Brazil, expect a thrilling display of talent and competitive spirit, showcasing the best of women's basketball.
