Unrivaled Turns Bitter for Angel Reese as America’s $81.6B Stakeholder Provokes Major Outrage

Angel Reese’s move to Miami for the highly anticipated Unrivaled league was supposed to be a step forward—a chance for WNBA players to take control of their careers while enjoying world-class facilities, top-tier treatment, and a premium lifestyle. But not everything has been smooth sailing for the Chicago Sky star. A recent travel mishap at Miami International Airport has left her, and m

Reese took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent her frustrations, writing:

“Miami might be the worst airport with the worst customer service EVER!”

For someone with as packed an itinerary as Angel Reese, travel issues are the last thing she needs. The star forward is set to fly to New Orleans to take part in Super Bowl festivities, coach a celebrity flag football game, and celebrate her massive endorsement deal with McDonald’s—the Angel Reese Special meal launches on February 10. With so much on the line, an airport experience gone wrong is more than an inconvenience; it’s a disruption to business.

Miami Airport’s Reputation Under Fire

Reese’s frustration taps into a bigger issue—how is one of the wealthiest and busiest airports in America failing to provide decent customer service? Miami International Airport processed over $81.6 billion in trade in 2024 alone, boasting a staggering $14 billion surplus. With financial power of this magnitude, there’s no excuse for subpar service.

Yet, MIA has long been criticized for inefficiency, long lines, and unhelpful staff. Many travelers have echoed Reese’s sentiment, sharing their own horror stories about delays, misplaced baggage, and poor treatment from airport personnel. If a high-profile athlete like Reese can publicly call out these issues, one can only imagine what the average traveler endures.

Angel Reese Snubs Unrivaled 1v1 Tournament Amid Backlash

While Reese’s travel troubles have sparked widespread discussion, another decision of hers has also drawn scrutiny.

The Unrivaled league—a player-driven movement shaking up women’s basketball—has introduced an unprecedented 1v1 tournament with a $350,000 prize pool, including a $200,000 grand prize for the winner. The format is a dream for fans, who have long called for high-stakes one-on-one matchups in professional basketball.

Yet, Reese has opted out. Instead of competing for the cash and prestige, she’ll be in New Orleans, fulfilling her Super Bowl week commitments.

While many respect her hustle outside the game, some believe she’s missing an opportunity to prove herself as one of the WNBA’s most dominant players.

The backlash raises an interesting debate: should WNBA stars prioritize on-court competition, or is it time for players to take charge of their careers beyond basketball? Reese’s decision suggests she’s leaning into the latter, carving out her own space as both an athlete and a brand.

The Bigger Picture

Reese’s frustration with Miami International Airport is more than just a celebrity complaint—it highlights broader concerns about customer service at major transportation hubs, the treatment of travelers, and the accountability of multi-billion-dollar institutions. At the same time, her decision to skip the 1v1 tournament speaks to the evolving role of modern athletes in shaping their careers beyond the sport.

Whether you agree with her choices or not, one thing is certain: Angel Reese isn’t just playing the game—she’s changing it.