The Tuesday practice of Chicago Sky was suddenly canceled ahead of their Wednesday game against the Washington Mystics due to a health scare.
According to Chicago Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile, a number of players inexplicably fell ill on Tuesday, prompting the last-minute cancellation of the practice session. The team’s medical staff recommended that the players wear masks at Sachs Recreation Center.
It’s uclear whether or not Angel Reese is among the players affected by the unknown illness.
The sudden turn of events came as a surprise for many, including those within the Sky office. Sky general manager Jeff Pgliocca opened up regarding the emergency situation.
“We’re testing for COVID-19 and speaking with our doctors to hear what they would suggest progression-wise,” he said.
The Chicago Sky are scheduled to face the Mystics at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. EDT. After that, they’re up to play against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the first-ever Barbie-themed game.
However, the unknown illness situation could cause some changes in the Sky’s and the league’s schedule as a whole. Pagliocca, however, said that the Chicago Sky will still have players to compete in the game.
If Reese is among the players who caught the illness, her absence would be a big blow to the team that’s still fighting for a playoff spot.
Chicago Sky to face Indiana Fever in a Barbie-themed match
The Chicago Sky announced its partnership with Mattel’s Barbie last Wednesday—becoming the first-ever WNBA franchise to do so. As part of the deal, the Sky will be hosting a Barbie-themed game on August 30, playing their final regular-season matchup against the Indiana Fever.
According to the team’s press release, the partnership aims to champion women in sports and encourage young girls to pursue their athletic passions.
“The Chicago Sky are thrilled to be the first WNBA team to partner with Barbie, the world’s most iconic and diverse doll brand that reminds girls they can be anything,” said the Sky’s Chief Marketing Officer Tania Haladner. “Barbie aligns perfectly with the Sky’s mission to empower girls and women to explore limitless possibilities, and we can’t wait to bring inspiring content to fans.”
Ahead of the game, Angel Reese was asked about what accessories she would get for her Barbie doll.
“If I had a Barbie, I’d make sure I have, like a vault of so many different clothes, like different styles of clothes,” Reese said. “So like sporty, like super girly, maybe like edgy. So I would have, like so many different kinds of looks … And then I’d also have like so many different kinds of wigs.”
Reese has been a main proponent behind the partnership, adopting various nicknames that include the “Barbie” moniker. In their June 1 match with the Fever, she could be seen wearing custom Barbie Reeboks during warmup.
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