CHICAGO, IL - MAY 07: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after a play during a WNBA preseason game in the first half against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on May 7, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ahead of her WNBA debut next week, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is expecting big crowds at games across the country this season.

Speaking to reporters during the team’s media day on Wednesday, Reese said arenas are “going to be packed” with fans:

“Standing-room only sometimes. We might get those. They just told us when I go back home to Washington, we’re playing where the Wizards play. So the change is happening and it’s not going to stop here. We’re in a great direction with the charter flights. Being able to have that, that’s a step in the right direction.”

Among the fans Reese is expecting to see are Usher and Cardi B, both of whom she mingled with at the Met Gala in New York this week.

“The who’s who are going to be courtside,” she said. “I was at the Met Gala, and Usher’s going to try to come up to a game in Vegas and Cardi B. I know some people that y’all might not think I know.”

Reese is part of a star-studded 2024 rookie class entering the WNBA. The group is led by No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, who went to the Indiana Fever.

The Sky had two of the top seven picks, allowing them to add Reese and reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player winner Kamilla Cardoso. Chicago will have to wait to see its new frontcourt duo together after Cardoso was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that will keep her out four to six weeks.

Anticipation for the WNBA season is off the charts. Three teams—Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces, Dallas Wings—have sold out their allotted season tickets. The Fever’s home opener against the New York Liberty on May 16 has seen a 50 percent price increase on the resale market since Clark declared for the draft in February.

Reese, Clark, Cardoso, Cameron Brink and the many other talented rookies are coming into the WNBA looking to make their name against already-established stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Loyd and others.

Fans and celebrities alike will start filling the arenas when the regular season begins on May 14 with four games, highlighted by Clark’s debut for the Fever against the Connecticut Sun and the reigning WNBA champion Aces hosting the Phoenix Mercury.

Reese’s debut with the Sky will be on May 15 against the Wings at College Park Center.