The free agency signing saw multiple players taking chances with the franchises of their choice to try to win the championships. The Los Angeles Sparks managed to bring back their champion, Nneka Ogwumike, in free agency, but lost Azura Steven, who also joined her championship side, the Chicago Sky.
After a disappointing 2025 season, the front office tried to revamp its roster on the first day of free agency, and their target was one of their former champion star.
Azura Stevens Joins Chicago Sky Project
Just before the free agency market opened up, Stevens’ subtle Indiana Fever comment sparked free agency speculation. Many fans even highlighted how the star is a perfect fit around the Fever core. But surprisingly, the forward joined the rival team, the Chicago Sky.
As per the update, the LA Sparks star signed a three-year contract with the franchise. She was a member of the 2021 championship team after joining the side from the Dallas Wings.
Breaking: Azurá Stevens has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, sources told ESPN.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 11, 2026
The 6-foot-6 forward is coming off a career year with the Sparks, where she averaged 12.8 PPG, 38.1% 3PT, 8.0 RPG and 2.1 APG, finishing second in MIP voting pic.twitter.com/sdobPHHgI2
Showing her excitement after the move, Stevens said, “I’m truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky. This city means everything to me. The culture, the people, the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I’m ready to get to work, embrace the moment, and give everything I have. Let’s work.”
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Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca also praised the signing and said, “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring back Azura, a pivotal part of our championship team, Stevens brings a versatile element to our frontcourt as a shooter and shot blocker that we’re confident will pair nicely with the players we have under contract.”
During her time at the LA Sparks, coach Lynne Roberts praised Stevens, mentioning that there is no ceiling to her abilities as she could impact on both ends of the floor. Interestingly, the veteran forward is not the only signing Sky completed on the first day.
Chicago Sky Adds Key Pieces Around Azura Stevens
The Windy City franchise moved their ‘possible cornerstone player’ ahead of the free agency and is now trying to add a number of impactful stars to better their performance in the 2026 season.
The team re-signed center Elizabeth Williams for two years and also brought in Skylar Diggins on multiyear deals. With a strong forward lie up, Diggins would be a perfect playmaker, who averaged 15.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game with Seattle in 2025.
SKYlar 🤝 SKYtown
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) April 11, 2026
we’ve officially signed Skylar Diggins. pic.twitter.com/r7Kd3NYJfE
The side also added Jacy Sheldon from the Washington Mystics in exchange for their 2028 first-round pick. Interestingly, the franchise also has the fifth overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft and adds another talented guard.