Connecticut Sun Re-Sign Hailey Van Lith To Developmental Roster Deal

The Connecticut Sun have made another roster adjustment involving second-year guard Hailey Van Lith, signing her to a developmental player contract just days after waiving her from the active roster. The move comes amid ongoing roster management decisions shaped by player availability and league regulations within the WNBA.

Van Lith was initially released on Thursday when the Sun activated guard Leila Lacan, who returned following overseas commitments that included a championship run in France. However, Connecticut quickly re-signed Van Lith under the league’s developmental roster provisions, allowing the franchise to retain her within its system while managing roster flexibility.

According to reporting from ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Van Lith considered other opportunities but ultimately viewed remaining with Connecticut as the most beneficial environment for her growth. The decision reflects her belief that continuity within the Sun’s system supports both her immediate development and long-term trajectory.

For the Sun, the move highlights the increasingly fluid nature of roster construction in the modern WNBA, where teams frequently balance short-term availability with player development pathways. Van Lith’s return ensures the team retains a familiar rotational piece while staying compliant with roster constraints.

1. Roster Flexibility And CBA Structure

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement allows teams to carry two developmental roster players with fewer than four years of service time. These players can appear in a limited number of games while occupying a reduced salary structure, giving franchises additional depth without fully committing a standard roster spot. Under these rules, developmental players can participate in up to 12 games or a capped portion of the season if expanded schedules are implemented. Compensation is also structured differently, with a base pay formula tied to weekly earnings and additional game-based bonuses. For Connecticut, utilizing this mechanism allows the franchise to maintain roster stability while adapting to international departures, injuries, and in-season transactions. It also provides a pathway for younger players like Van Lith to remain in competitive environments without immediate long-term contractual pressure. This system has become increasingly important for teams navigating late-season adjustments, especially when players like Lacan return from overseas obligations, forcing rapid roster recalibration.

2. Van Lith’s Career Progression

Van Lith entered the league as the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, selected by the Chicago Sky. Her rookie season included 29 appearances, during which she averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in limited minutes while also managing an ankle injury that affected her consistency. Her shooting efficiency struggled during that first campaign, as she finished below 35% from the field and just over 16% from three-point range. Despite those challenges, she gained valuable experience adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game. After being waived by Chicago on May 4, Van Lith was quickly claimed by Connecticut, signaling continued belief in her potential. The move allowed her to reset within a new system and find a more defined role within a different rotation structure. Since joining the Sun, her production has improved noticeably, reflecting both increased confidence and a more stable role in the offense.

3. Impact And Role In Connecticut

Van Lith has appeared in nine games for Connecticut so far this season, earning three starts and averaging 8.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.6 minutes per game. Her efficiency has also surged, shooting over 49% from the field and more than 47% from three-point range. One of her standout performances came on May 15 against the Las Vegas Aces, when she scored 17 points on strong shooting efficiency while adding four assists. That game highlighted her ability to contribute as both a scorer and secondary playmaker in high-level matchups. Within the Sun’s rotation, Van Lith has carved out a role as a dynamic guard who can provide energy off the bench or step into starting duties when needed. Her improved shooting and decision-making have made her a more reliable option compared to her rookie season struggles. Looking ahead, the developmental contract allows Connecticut to continue evaluating her progress while maintaining roster flexibility as the season unfolds, particularly as lineup changes and international returns continue to shape availability.