Sky waive Hailey Van Lith just before regular season

Published: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 4:47 pm

Chicago Sky Waive Rookie Guard Hailey Van Lith

The Chicago Sky have made a significant roster move just before the start of the WNBA regular season, waiving guard Hailey Van Lith. Van Lith, drafted eleventh overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was informed of the decision as teams finalize their 12-player rosters.

Van Lith struggled to establish herself during her rookie season, seeing limited playing time until the end of the year due to injuries on the team. In 29 games, she averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

Despite a promising preseason performance, including a 20-point game with perfect shooting in the opener, Van Lith was ultimately released. She averaged 12.5 points during the preseason games.

The Sky underwent significant roster changes during the offseason. They traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two first-round draft picks. To bolster their guard position, the team signed Skylar Diggins and DiJonai Carrington. They also have Courtney Vandersloot, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury. These additions likely contributed to the difficulty Van Lith faced in securing a spot on the team.

Van Lith's future in the WNBA remains uncertain. However, there is a possibility that she could remain with the Sky if they choose to utilize a developmental spot on her.

BNN's Perspective:

The WNBA is a competitive league, and roster cuts are a harsh reality. While it's unfortunate for Van Lith, the Sky's moves reflect a strategic effort to build a competitive team. The team's recent acquisitions and the return of key players from injury suggest a focus on immediate success. We hope Van Lith finds an opportunity to showcase her talent elsewhere in the league.

Keywords: Chicago Sky, Hailey Van Lith, WNBA, roster cuts, waived, basketball, sports, preseason, Angel Reese, Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, Courtney Vandersloot, draft

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