“Apologies!” The WNBA’s official account on X social media platform made a last-minute announcement to the basketball world just hours before the Chicago Sky’s first preseason game. It was set to be the debut of former NCAA rivals Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso on the court together.

Despite the anticipation, the game wasn’t broadcasted, leaving many fans disappointed. A resourceful fan at the Target Center found an unauthorized way to stream the game, but many others were left heartbroken, including WNBA champion Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury.

The sudden decision not to broadcast certain preseason games, including Chicago vs. Minnesota, caught basketball fans off guard. Responding to the issue, Griner, a nine-time WNBA All-Star, expressed her frustration on Instagram, questioning why the game wasn’t available on League Pass and emphasizing the importance of showcasing talents like Reese and Cardoso.

Griner shared a post from High Level Media Sports, echoing criticism of the WNBA’s decision not to feature Reese and Cardoso’s game. The absence of this matchup left many fans perplexed, especially considering the attention Reese has brought to women’s basketball.

After the news spread online, fans voiced their disappointment, with some accusing the WNBA of prioritizing one player, Caitlin Clark, and neglecting others. However, according to reports from the WNBA and Athlon Sports, the issue stemmed from the broadcaster, Bally Sports North, opting to prioritize coverage of a Major League Baseball team following a recent TV deal.

The turn of events left many fans of Chicago, particularly supporters of Angel Reese, disappointed. Reese’s impact on women’s basketball has been significant, and not showcasing her game was seen as a missed opportunity.

Despite this setback, the WNBA clarified that not all preseason games would be broadcasted. Fans can still look forward to the regular season, which will be available on League Pass via the WNBA app and on TV.