Basketball fans nationwide were left both amused and astonished when Chicago Sky star Angel Reese dropped a bombshell revelation that seemed stranger than fiction: she had never once eaten at a Portillo’s. Yes, that Portillo’s— the cult-favorite fast-casual restaurant chain with 94 locations across the U.S., and 46 of them spread across Illinois alone.

Reese, now 23 and entering her second season with the Sky, has established herself as a rebound machine—leading the WNBA with an astonishing 12.6 rebounds per game. Yet, she admitted that despite Chicago’s foodie culture and Portillo’s iconic presence, she’s never stepped foot inside one of their restaurants. Her revelation came just days before Chicago’s pivotal game against the Minnesota Lynx, adding a delicious bit of gossip to the WNBA playoff race conversation.

The Big Surprise

It all began innocently enough: Reese, known for her lighthearted and candid social media persona, dropped the bombshell on a livestream during a casual interaction with fans. Her admission immediately snowballed across social platforms and sports news feeds, sparking debate, memes, and even calls for an Angel Reese–Portillo’s partnership.

Angel Reese (Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

“I just never went, man,” she shrugged, chuckling. “It’s crazy, I know. But hey, I’m still open.”

That one offhand comment resulted in a flurry of reactions. Fans across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok piled on, sharing their disbelief that Chicago’s rebounding queen might have lived in Illinios for two years without tasting the famed Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich. One fan tweeted, “Angel Reese: WNBA rebounding leader. Portillo’s virgin. Iconic.” Another joked, “We gotta get her to Portillo’s before the playoffs.”

Why Portillo’s Means More Than Just Food

Portillo’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of Chicago’s cultural fabric. With its retro vibe, chili-cheese fries, chocolate cake and shakes, and Chicago hot dog, it’s been a local institution since founding in 1963. From locals craving a late-night snack to tourists seeking the full Windy City experience, Portillo’s is an unmissable stop. Its visibility in Chicago life makes Reese’s admission all the more astonishing.

Public perceptions shifted overnight. Some humorously called it a lapse in civic duty. Others saw it as proof that even local icons can have surprising hidden holes in their Chicago experience. Meanwhile, Reese laughed it off, promising to try Portillo’s soon—“Maybe before we head into the playoffs,” she teased.

The Sky’s Rising Season

She made the reveal just days before a crucial game against Minnesota on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. EST. The Sky, sitting at 5-11, are locked in a tight playoff chase. Indiana Fever—all led by superstar Caitlin Clark—are 8-8 and holding the final spot. A loss to Minnesota could widen the gap for Chicago and make overtaking Indiana even more difficult. But Reese’s ability to control the glass gives fans hope.

Her 12.6 rebounds per game represent more than just individual brilliance; they anchor the team’s defensive toughness and second-chance scoring. By contrast, Las Vegas Aces star A’Ja Wilson is second in the league with 9.9 boards, and Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier follows close behind.

The Lynx, at 14-2, have been nearly unbeatable this season. They undoubtedly present a challenge for Chicago—but if Reese’s Portillo’s confession did one thing, it was lighten the mood in the locker room ahead of a crucial matchup. A bit of levity in pressure-filled times can do wonders.

Basketball fans had plenty to say after Reese shared the surprising secret.

“We only judge on your rebound throws,” one fan said.

“Don’t waste your time, definitely overrated!” a user wrote.

“I’m judging you for the bricks,” said a fan.

“But I KNOW you’ve had Harold’s by now right?” asked another.

“Girl you better get over there!” quipped another.

“I won’t judge but really?” asked a fan.

A Digital Buzz

Once Reese’s comments went public, fans speculated wildly about what she would try first: a classic Chicago dog with neon relish and pickles? Or an Italian beef soaked in gravy, smothered in peppers? Some even began speculating that Reese might show up at Portillo’s one day and hold an impromptu meet-and-greet.

Logo-ed Portillo’s T-shirts flooded Reddit threads. “Where’s Reese’s first Portillo’s?” one user posted. “Can we organize a fan meetup?” another commented. One concept floated: a petition for Portillo’s to officially sponsor Reese and have a signature drink or sandwich. Of course, those ideas are playful for now—but the public reaction demonstrated just how big a deal Reese’s statement had become.

Cultural Icon Meets Food Moment

One of the most fascinating parts of this story isn’t Reese’s admission itself, but how it reflects changing player–fan dynamics. In years past, athletes kept off-court moments tightly managed. But now, social media allows unfiltered personal glimpses. Another player talking about a favorite burger or late-night ramen spot can spark serious fan engagement. Reese’s Portillo’s reveal is an example of how small details—food preferences, travel habits, playlists—bring supporters closer.

For Reese, a star building her brand and voice in the league, the Portillo’s revelations reinforced fans’ feelings that she’s more than just a WNBA athlete—she’s a relatable mid-20s adult exploring life, fame, and yes, local cuisine.

Chicago’s Invitation

Portillo’s seems ready to play along. While no official partnership is announced yet, no one would be surprised if the chain offered her a batch of free meals or invited her to try classic items “on the house.” The fact that there are at least two franchise locations within 15 minutes of Wintrust Arena makes a “Welcome to Portillo’s” event all the more likely. Several local sports radio hosts even suggested scheduling a “Portillo’s–with–Angel Reese” promotion on WNBA game nights.

Whether fast food or fine dining, Portillo’s is just the start. Next for Reese: exploring deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style popcorn, or a proper Maxwell Street dog stand. The possibilities—and laughs—are endless.

Beyond the Food: The Heart of the Matter

Still, the Portillo’s story is about more than just a sandwich chain. It underscores the broader momentum around the Chicago Sky’s identity this season. A team rebuilding with talent and potential, the Sky face the crossroads of becoming serious contenders or fading from playoff relevance. Reese—athletically and personality-wise—has been at the forefront of that narrative.

Angel Reese (Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images)

Her real-time admission and playful tone show her growing comfort with fan interaction and storytelling. That resonates with younger audiences eager for authentic insight into players’ lives. She isn’t a distant celebrity—she’s the rebound leader with a secret slice of humble pie, and that makes her all the more endearing.

What Lies Ahead

Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota is a statement game. Chicago travels to face the Lynx three more times this month—on July 12, 14, and 22. A win in the first outing could spark a critical slide toward playoff contention. Even without Portillo’s fuel, can the Sky ride Reese’s energy and hustle to success?

Meanwhile, Reese has promised to remedy her Portillo’s gap soon—maybe even during the road trip. A “rookie tradition” of hitting the chains after a big road win was hinted at in a lighthearted locker-room clip. Fans will be watching—or waiting eagerly for her first Instagram post with a dog, fries, or chocolate cake in hand.

Final Thoughts

Angel Reese’s Portillo’s confession may appear trivial at first glance, but in context it’s emblematic of something larger: connectedness in the NBA offseason, the power of personal narrative, and how even small moments become big in a digitally connected sporting world. Fans responded with surprise and laughter; commentators used it as a human-interest angle to lighten intense competition coverage. And that’s just fine by Reese—she’s just grateful to be part of the journey.

As the Chicago Sky continue their playoff push, and Reese continues to crush boards and hearts, the Portillo’s question lingers: will she eventually bite into the famous menu, or will she keep Chicago guessing? Either way, one thing is clear: Angel Reese isn’t just playing games—she’s shaping the storytelling of the WNBA along the way.