In a move that’s ignited fierce debate across the basketball world, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is demanding to don her signature No. 5 jersey for the USA Women’s National Team ahead of the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The 23-year-old powerhouse, fresh off a stellar WNBA season where she led the league in rebounds for the second straight year, clashed with USA Basketball officials during last week’s training camp in Colorado Springs.
The controversy stems from a longstanding rule: no duplicate numbers on the roster. Reese, who switched to No. 5 in her Sky debut last year—symbolizing “new beginnings” after yielding her beloved No. 10 to rookie Kamilla Cardoso—has worn it proudly through 42 double-doubles and a Vogue cover. But it belongs to veteran forward Breanna Stewart, the 2024 Olympic MVP and a five-time gold medalist who’s synonymous with the digits.
“Number 5 is my identity now,” Reese declared in a fiery Instagram Live, amassing 2 million views. “I’ve built my brand on it—from Maryland to LSU to the pros. USA Basketball can’t erase that.” Fans erupted online, with #Reese5 trending globally. Supporters hail her as a trailblazer challenging “seniority bias,” while critics, including some ex-Team USA players, call it “disrespectful entitlement.” Stewart, ever diplomatic, posted a cryptic emoji of a crown and a basketball, fueling speculation.
USA Basketball’s selection committee, chaired by Geno Auriemma, faces a dilemma. Reese’s inclusion is pivotal—her rebounding prowess and 14.7 PPG make her indispensable for depth. Yet bending rules could fracture team chemistry, echoing past spats like the 2024 Caitlin Clark snub. “Talent doesn’t trump tradition,” tweeted Hall of Famer Sue Bird, amplifying the divide.
As rehearsals intensify, whispers of a compromise—Reese in No. 15—circulate. But the “Bayou Barbie” remains unyielding: “I’ll hoop in any number, but 5 is non-negotiable.” With Paris Olympics glory still fresh, this feud tests the limits of ego versus unity in women’s hoops. Will Reese’s insistence elevate or derail the stars-and-stripes dynasty? The court awaits
