Chicago Sky Waive Hailey Van Lith After One Season, Citing Style of Play

Key facts

• Hailey Van Lith was waived by the Chicago Sky on Monday, March 31, 2026.
• Van Lith was drafted 11th overall by the Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
• She averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29 games as a rookie.
• Van Lith shot 33.9% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range.
• The Sky cited a 'style of play preference' for the decision, per ESPN's Kendra Andrews.
• Chicago signed veteran guard Natasha Cloud on the same day as the waiver.
• Van Lith is reportedly in active conversations with multiple teams.
• The Sky have used five first-round picks in the past three years; only two remain on the roster.

A Promising Draft Pick Cut Short

The Chicago Sky waived guard Hailey Van Lith on Monday, ending her tenure with the franchise after a single rookie season. The move, announced just days before the WNBA regular season tip-off, underscores the precarious nature of roster spots in a league with limited openings. Van Lith, a 5-foot-9 left-handed guard, was selected 11th overall in the 2025 draft out of LSU. She appeared in 29 games for the Sky, averaging 12.5 minutes per contest. Her offensive struggles were pronounced: she shot 33.9% from the field and a mere 16.1% from beyond the arc, while recording 1.6 assists against 1.2 turnovers per game.

Style of Play and Roster Reconstruction

the decision was driven by Chicago's 'style of play preference.' The Sky are in the midst of a significant roster overhaul. They traded star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream and added guards Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and Natasha Cloud — the latter signed on the same day Van Lith was waived. Head coach Tyler Marsh, entering his second season, is shaping a team that prioritizes veteran experience and specific offensive and defensive schemes. Van Lith, who struggled to create her own shot and lacked the elite quickness needed to compensate for her size, did not fit that vision.

A Rookie Season of Limited Impact

Van Lith's statistical output was among the lowest for first-round picks in recent years. Her 3.5 points per game and 1.1 rebounds reflected a player who could not consistently contribute on either end. Her assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.33 was below average for a point guard, and her three-point shooting was the worst among qualified rookies. Despite being protected by the Sky during the expansion draft — a move that initially signaled commitment — the team ultimately decided to cut ties. The discrepancy puzzled fans, but the front office's actions suggest a strategic pivot rather than a reflection on Van Lith's potential alone.

Potential Landing Spots and Second Chances

Van Lith's college pedigree — she was a standout at Louisville and LSU, known for her scoring and competitiveness — makes her an attractive reclamation project. Multiple teams are reportedly in discussions with her. The Phoenix Mercury, who lack depth behind starting point guard Monique Akoa Makani, could offer a role as a reserve. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team still building its identity, might provide more playing time. The Portland Fire, another new franchise under coach Alex Sarama, employ a constraints-led offensive system that relies on player instincts, which could suit Van Lith's style. The Seattle Storm, focused on developing young talent, also present a possible fit.

The WNBA's Harsh Reality for Young Players

Van Lith's waiver highlights the difficulty of breaking into and staying in the WNBA. With only 12 teams and 144 roster spots, opportunities are scarce. Players drafted in the first round are not guaranteed long-term security, especially if they do not immediately adapt to the league's increased length, athleticism, and pace. For Van Lith, the path forward requires a significant leap in her game — improved shooting consistency, quicker decision-making, and a more defined role. Without such development, she risks being relegated to fringe status, akin to an innings eater in baseball who absorbs regular-season minutes but is excluded from playoff rotations.

Outlook: A Test of Resilience

Van Lith's next opportunity will likely come from a team willing to invest in her growth. The fact that she is already in conversations with multiple franchises suggests that her draft stock and college resume still hold value. However, the clock is ticking: at 24, she must demonstrate improvement quickly to secure a long-term WNBA career. For the Sky, the move is part of a broader reset. With only two of their five first-round picks from the past three years remaining on the roster — including 2026 draftee Gabriela Jacquez — Chicago is betting on a veteran-heavy lineup to climb out of the league's basement. Whether Van Lith can force her way back into the league will depend on her ability to adapt to a game that has moved past her.

The bottom line

• Hailey Van Lith was waived by the Chicago Sky after one season due to a style-of-play mismatch.
• She averaged 3.5 points on 33.9% shooting and 16.1% from three, with 1.6 assists per game.
• The Sky signed Natasha Cloud on the same day, part of a roster overhaul that included trading Angel Reese.
• Van Lith is in talks with multiple teams, including the Mercury, Valkyries, Fire, and Storm.
• Her college pedigree offers a second chance, but she must improve her shooting and quickness to stick in the WNBA.
• The waiver underscores the limited opportunities for young players in a 12-team league.