Chicago Sky Make $555K Move for WNBA Star After Waiving Hailey Van Lith
The Chicago Sky waived second-year guard Hailey Van Lith after a brief preseason performance and signed veteran Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $555,000 contract. The move reflects a strategic shift under head coach Tyler Marsh as the team aims to rebound from two poor seasons. Chicago has overhauled its roster with multiple additions, including high-profile players and draft picks, in an effort to return to playoff contention.
- ▪Hailey Van Lith was waived by the Chicago Sky after averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in two preseason games.
- ▪The Sky signed Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $555,000 deal shortly after waiving Van Lith.
- ▪Chicago selected Gabriela Jaquez with the No. 5 overall pick and added players like Skylar Diggins-Smith, Azura Stevens, and Rickea Jackson.
- ▪The team finished 10–34 last season, marking a decline from their 2021 WNBA championship under James Wade.
- ▪Chicago last made the playoffs in 2023, ending a five-year postseason streak.
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By Cole SullivanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.After a strong two-game preseason stretch with the Chicago Sky, in which she averaged 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, second-year guard Hailey Van Lith was officially waived on Monday afternoon ahead of the WNBA season.The Sky open their season on Saturday against the Portland Fire, and roughly an hour after parting ways with Van Lith — a move largely tied to stylistic and schematic preferences from head coach Tyler Marsh — Chicago made an immediate roster addition.The team signed veteran guard Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $555,000 deal.“Adding a cloud to our sky,” the Sky posted.
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