Full Breakdown
Chicago Sky Waive 2025 First-Round Guard Hailey Van Lith
5/5/2026, 12:08:06 AM
Offseason Moves and Roster Constraints
The Sky finished the 2025 campaign tied for the league’s worst record at 10-34. In April they traded forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two first-round picks, signed veteran guard Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $555,000 deal, and exercised fourth-year options on Kamila Cardoso, Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon. They released recent draft picks Latasha Lattimore (second round, Ole Miss) and Tonie Morgan (third round, Kentucky). With the WNBA’s 12-player roster limit, Chicago reshaped its guard group ahead of the season opener against the Portland Fire.
Van Lith’s Background and Statistics
Hailey Van Lith entered the WNBA as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 draft after playing at Louisville, LSU and TCU. At TCU she was Big 12 Player of the Year and led the Horned Frogs to a conference title and Elite Eight appearance. Her college production averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and she earned an Olympic bronze in 3×3 basketball (2024) plus youth World Cup gold. In her rookie season she appeared in 29 games, never started, logged 12.4 minutes per contest and posted 3.5 points, 1.6 assists and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 16.1 % from three. In the 2026 preseason she scored 20 points on perfect 8-for-8 shooting and averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 assists across two games.
Official Statements & Responses
The Sky posted a brief thank-you message on X for Van Lith and announced her release. General manager Jeff Pagliocca praised the incoming guard, describing her as a top passer and defender who fits with the team’s proven winners. ESPN’s Kendra Andrews reported that the decision was driven by the coaching staff’s preference for a particular style of play. The organization also confirmed the releases of Lattimore and Morgan.
Criticism and Uncertainties
Analysts noted the disparity between Van Lith’s strong preseason showing and her release, suggesting the “style-of-play preference” rationale may mask a deeper roster-depth calculation. Sources differ on whether the Sky intended to keep her via a development-player slot, but no move was announced. No formal criticism from league officials or player unions appeared.
What’s Next for Van Lith
After clearing waivers, Van Lith has a 48-hour window before another team can claim her contract. ESPN and Sports Illustrated cite interest from the Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. The Sky retain two development spots, one of which Van Lith could fill if she remains unclaimed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wishing you nothing but the best ahead.” — Chicago Sky (X post)
- “Natasha is one of the best passers and defenders in our league,” — Jeff Pagliocca, Sky GM
- “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.” — Jeff Pagliocca
- “ adding a cloud to our sky ? welcome to the Chi, Tash!” — Chicago Sky (X post)
