The WNBA-WNBPA CBA discussion might be taking slow steps towards competition, but the franchises are already on the move. Per the WNBA’s schedule, the season starts on May 9. The Chicago Sky even moved the August 8 home game against the Indiana Fever to the United Center for Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark showdown.
While their venue selection and booking are confirmed, the side has a major task of roster building on hand, and for that, they could strategically use the 2026 WNBA draft.
Chicago Sky Could Target UCLA Star As Its Top Pick
Over the past two seasons, the 2021 WNBA champions have been building from their draft picks. In the 2026 draft, the side has three picks: the fifth pick in the first round and then the 17th and 26th picks in the second round. While the team would love to have top players in all three picks, their best chance to land an impactful player would be pick no. 5.
Looking at the current talented class, there are already many options, but the first four teams would take the ‘cream’ while the sky will also add a key player as its top pick. Incidentally, UCLA is poised to shatter the WNBA draft record with six Bruins projected in the 2026 class. The mix includes forwards, a center, and guards.
NO. 5 PICK IN THE 2026 WNBA DRAFT 🏀
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) November 23, 2025
drop your predictions 🪄 pic.twitter.com/P4vNBo6UJl
The team needs a playmaker to facilitate Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso, who have been terrific since their addition to the team. In this scenario, Kiki Rice, Jaquez, and Kneepkens are all viable choices for No. 5. Both Jaquez and Kneepkens are famous for their elite scoring, while Rice brings in a defensive edge.
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The Sky franchise can utilize the free agency to add an experienced guard and a draft pick as a backup or number 2 on the floor. Anyhow, the franchise has an opportunity to show its ‘winning’ intentions in the draft.
Angel Reese Puts Chicago Sky On High Alert
One of the key reasons to nail the draft pick is to keep the star player, Angel Reese, happy and convince her to stay, showing her ‘progress’. The player, though, made her intentions for the upcoming season clear in her podcast.
She said, “Win win win win. 2026, I am looking for the playoffs. I am trying to get to the playoffs. I hate to be at home watching finals. It is not great. I wanna be in the finals. Just give me the finals, just give me the playoffs.”
jeff and tyler better go get some fucking DAWGS. my goat wants to WIN.😭 pic.twitter.com/dsBzlNxxDu
— jay.☆ (@reese4mvp) December 15, 2025
The Windy City franchise missed the playoffs in the last two seasons and will look to take a shot at a championship.