Chicago Sky Make Brutal Call On Young Core As Hailey Van Lith And Draft Class Are Let Go Before Season

The WNBA is entering a new era, with a new CBA and new expansion teams shaping the league’s presence and operations. Many franchises are also quickly adapting to this change and preparing for the 2026 season, too, facing 14 other contenders for the championship. The Chicago Sky franchise, once looking to build for the future with multiple young stars on the roster, also changed its strategy ahead of the tip-off.

The franchise recently waived one of the explosive scorers and top picks, Hailey Vana Lith. Coach Tyler Marsh provided a reason for Van Lith’s waiver, but there is a peculiar pattern that the Windy City franchise is following.

Chicago Sky Axed Top Young Stars To Make Space For Experienced Stars

Ahead of the 2026 season, many teams confirmed their rosters, removing several players from training camp. The Sky franchise also made adjustments to its roster, slowly narrowing the player count to a permissible 12.

After the Van Lith’s exit, the franchise signed Natasha Cloud, adding more experience at the back court. Before that, the front office showed the exit door to the 2025 16th pick, Maddy Westbeld, and the 22nd pick, Aicha Coulibaly, later in the day.

thank you, Maddy! 🩵

wishing you well on your next steps pic.twitter.com/rEo8AL7l2D

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 4, 2026

The side has already removed Latasha Lattimore and Tonie Morgan from the training camp roster. The final date for the roster announcement is Thursday, May 7, with the season starting the next day.

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While the Chicago Sky’s aggressive free agency moves spark confusion over Angel Reese’s trade, the roster cuts now give a clear idea that the 2021 champions are aiming for the playoffs after missing out on the same in back-to-back seasons.

Chicago Sky Aiming For Deep Playoff Run

The Sky side was building a strong team behind their young core. But now they are retooling with a roster designed for veteran leadership and immediate competitiveness. After a challenging 2025 season, the team overhaul brought in elite, experienced talent to support the cornerstone players.

Highlighting this new identity is seven-time All-Star guard Skylar Diggins, whose playmaking is expected to drive the offense. Natasha Cloud could form an explosive backcourt duo with Diggins. Returning championship core member Azura Stevens provides crucial frontcourt experience and defensive versatility, while forward Rickea Jackson was acquired to add needed scoring power.

313 → 312 📍

we’ve officially acquired Rickea Jackson. pic.twitter.com/2helzpSWb2

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) April 12, 2026

Alongside them, the team boasts the return of Elizabeth Williams for solid interior defense and the developing talent of young center Kamilla Cardoso, who has established herself as a key post presence. Veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot brings elite basketball IQ and experience to the team’s depth. Under coach Tyler Marsh, this blend of high-caliber veteran savvy and fresh, skilled energy makes the 2026 Chicago Sky a dangerous contender.