Full Breakdown
Connecticut Sun Activates Leila Lacan, Waives Hailey Van Lith Ahead of Saturday Game
5/29/2026, 5:15:50 AM
Sun's Roster Move: Activation of Leila Lacan and Waiver of Hailey Van Lith
The Connecticut Sun announced on Thursday that they have activated guard Leila Lacan from inactive status and simultaneously waived forward/guard Hailey Van Lith. The activation makes Lacan eligible to play in the team's Saturday home game against the Los Angeles Sparks in Hartford.
Background & Context
Leila Lacan is a French guard who earned an Olympic silver medal with France and was named to the Associated Press All-Rookie Team after being selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft. She spent the 2025 season with the Sun, averaging 10.4 points, 3.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game, and contributed to nine of the eleven victories in which she appeared. Lacan also won a championship and finals MVP honors with Basket Landes in the 2026 La Boulangère Wonderligue.
Hailey Van Lith is a former All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year who played collegiately at Louisville, LSU and TCU. Drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Sky in 2024, she appeared in 29 games before an ankle injury limited her to 3.5 points per game in 12.4 minutes. The Sky waived her before the start of the current season; the Sun signed her thereafter. In 2025 she posted 8.1 points and 2.2 assists per game, starting three times for a Sun team that began the season 1-8.
Key Figures & Groups
- Leila Lacan – Guard, France national team, Olympic silver medalist, 2024 draft No. 10.
- Hailey Van Lith – Guard/forward, former Louisville, LSU, TCU star, first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2024 draft.
- Connecticut Sun – WNBA franchise based in Hartford, Connecticut.
- Los Angeles Sparks – Opponent for the upcoming Saturday game.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
The Sun’s roster announcement confirmed Lacan’s activation and Van Lith’s release. Sources reported that Van Lith expressed gratitude for the Sun’s transparency and the opportunity to continue her professional development, stating she remains motivated to build on her recent experiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The report calls Hailey Van Lith a “2025 first-round pick” while also stating she was selected 11th overall by the Chicago Sky “last year,” creating ambiguity about her draft year.
Impact on Connecticut Sun’s Season
Lacan’s return adds a guard with proven scoring and defensive metrics, a factor linked to the Sun’s higher win percentage when she was on the court (9-2). Van Lith’s limited production (8.1 PPG) reflects a modest statistical contribution to the Sun’s offense.
Upcoming Game
Lacan is slated to make her season debut on Saturday when the Connecticut Sun host the Los Angeles Sparks in Hartford.
