Chicago Sky Waive Hailey Van Lith Amid Final WNBA Roster Cuts

The Chicago Sky made a significant roster decision ahead of the 2026 WNBA season by waiving guard Hailey Van Lith, a move confirmed as teams across the league finalize their 12-player regular-season lineups. The decision comes during one of the most competitive and difficult periods of the offseason.

Van Lith, who was selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, entered the league with expectations of becoming a developing backcourt contributor. However, her rookie season featured limited playing time and a gradual role behind more established guards.

While she showed flashes of potential during the preseason, the roster crunch in Chicago ultimately left her on the outside looking in. The Sky’s evolving backcourt depth played a major role in the final decision.

Despite the waiver, there remains a possibility that Van Lith could remain with the organization in a developmental capacity depending on roster flexibility and league rules.

1. Limited Rookie Season Role and Development

Van Lith’s first year in the WNBA was marked by limited opportunities, as she struggled to secure consistent minutes in a crowded rotation. She appeared in 29 games but often played in a reduced role. Her averages of 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists reflected a developmental year rather than an immediate impact role. Most of her extended playing time came late in the season during injury-related absences. Even in limited action, she showed effort in adjusting to the pace and physicality of the professional game. Coaches viewed her as a work-in-progress rather than a finished product. The organization had initially hoped she would grow into a rotational guard over time, but roster changes altered that trajectory.

2. Preseason Signs of Progress Not Enough

Heading into training camp for her second season, Van Lith showed encouraging signs of improvement. Her preseason performances suggested a more confident and aggressive offensive approach. In one standout outing, she scored 20 points and shot efficiently from the field, drawing attention for her scoring ability and shot creation. Across the preseason, she averaged 12.5 points per game. Those performances briefly raised expectations that she could compete for a roster spot or expanded role. However, preseason success did not translate into a guaranteed place on the final roster. Despite the strong showing, Chicago ultimately prioritized veteran depth and positional fit when making final decisions.

3. Roster Competition and Chicago’s New Direction

The Sky underwent major roster restructuring during the offseason, significantly impacting backcourt competition. One of the most notable moves was sending Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for future first-round picks, reshaping the team’s long-term direction. Chicago also strengthened its guard rotation by adding veterans Skylar Diggins and DiJonai Carrington, while retaining Courtney Vandersloot, who is currently sidelined due to an ACL injury. These moves created a highly competitive environment for guard rotation spots, leaving little room for developmental players to secure guaranteed minutes. As a result, Van Lith became the most vulnerable player in a crowded and experienced backcourt group, despite her potential upside.