WNBA All-Star Angel Reese and USC standout JuJu Watkins, two of women’s basketball’s most high-profile athletes, provided updates on their professional futures and health statuses while participating in the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp, held Dec. 12-14 at Duke University. Both players used their media availability to address major topics surrounding their upcoming seasons.

Reese, the Chicago Sky forward, addressed months of speculation regarding her future by confirming her commitment to the franchise for the 2026 WNBA season.

“I’m under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,” Reese told reporters at the camp.

The confirmation comes after a tumultuous ending to the 2025 season and a previously controversial interview where Reese voiced frustrations with the team’s organizational direction and roster construction. At the time, the two-time All-Star suggested she might "have to move in a different direction" if the team did not see improvements in its core talent. Her statement from the USA Basketball camp serves to quell rumors that she might request a trade. Reese is currently contracted with Chicago through 2027, which includes a team option.

In discussing her continued tenure, Reese also provided an update on her relationship with team management. She noted that she is focused on developing a positive rapport with the leadership structure.

"I'm continuing to talk to [Head Coach] Tyler [Marsh] and building that relationship with [General Manager] Jeff [Pagliocca]," Reese said. The forward is expected to be a central figure in the Sky’s efforts to improve upon a 2025 season that saw the team finish tied for the league's most losses.

Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins, one of two NCAA athletes invited to the senior national team camp, participated as a passive observer while continuing her recovery from a significant knee injury. Watkins sustained an ACL tear during the 2025 NCAA Tournament and previously announced she would sit out the entire 2025-26 collegiate season to focus on rehabilitation.

Despite being unable to practice on the court, Watkins described the opportunity to be immersed in the atmosphere of the senior national team as a valuable experience. She is using the time on the sidelines to observe and learn from the professional veterans.

“Honestly, it’s enough just kind of being there and feeling the energy... hearing everybody’s voices, the communication, the leadership,” Watkins said. She indicated her goal was to absorb lessons on high-level standards and discipline, noting, “I’ll definitely be taking some of those lessons back to SC to kind of continue to grow as a leader and as a player.”

USA Basketball Managing Director Sue Bird and Head Coach Kara Lawson confirmed that Watkins' inclusion was intentional, seeing her as a crucial part of the national team’s future. Lawson stated that inviting Watkins was a priority to expose her to the high-level standards and culture required to succeed in the program.

Both players' updates provide clarity to their fanbases, with Reese confirming her immediate professional stability and Watkins using her recovery period to gain experience at the senior national team level.