Is Hailey Van Lith Already on Another Team’s Radar?

Just days before the new WNBA season tips off, the Chicago Sky made a bold — and slightly surprising — roster decision. Former first-round pick Hailey Van Lith has been waived, signaling a clear shift in direction for a team trying to reinvent itself after a disappointing campaign.

For fans, it’s a classic case of “wait, didn’t this look promising just a year ago?” — and now, it’s already over.

A System Fit Over Star Potential

According to reports from ESPN insider Kendra Andrews, the decision came down to “style of play preference.” In simple terms, Van Lith’s game didn’t quite align with how Chicago wants to operate this season.

That may sound like coach-speak, but it often translates to roster chemistry and pace. With a guard-heavy lineup and a faster system in place, the Sky appear to be prioritizing fit over future upside.

Still, cutting a recent first-round pick? That’s the kind of move that makes fans raise an eyebrow — or both.

From Draft Day Hype to Uncertain Future

Van Lith entered the WNBA with strong expectations after being selected 11th overall in 2025. But her rookie season never quite took off.

She averaged 3.5 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in limited minutes, while struggling from beyond the arc. Simply put, the consistency wasn’t there — and in a competitive league, patience can run thin quickly.

Ironically, her preseason form hinted at a turnaround. She posted 12.5 points and 4.5 assists per game and even delivered a flawless 20-point performance against the Phoenix Mercury.

Basketball can be ruthless sometimes — one week you’re cooking, the next you’re packing.

A New-Look Sky Take Shape

This move is just one piece of a larger transformation in Chicago. The Sky have reshaped their roster significantly, including trading star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

In her place, the team has brought in experienced guards like Skylar Diggins, Jacy Sheldon, and veteran playmaker Natasha Cloud. Add emerging talent like Rickea Jackson and rookie Gabriela Jacquez, and suddenly the backcourt looks crowded.

Head coach Tyler Marsh, now in his second year, is clearly building a system centered on experienced ball-handlers and defensive versatility. After finishing near the bottom last season, a reset was always coming — and it’s arriving fast.

What’s Next for Van Lith?

Despite the setback, Van Lith’s story is far from over. The former college star — who shined at TCU Horned Frogs and previously played at Louisville Cardinals and LSU Tigers — still carries strong credentials.

She was a Big 12 Player of the Year, an All-American, and even earned an Olympic bronze medal in 3×3 basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics. That résumé alone will keep teams interested.

And according to reports, several franchises already are. In WNBA terms, she’s not out of the league — she’s just between chapters.

The Chicago Sky’s decision to waive Hailey Van Lith highlights just how quickly things can change in professional basketball. One year ago, she and Angel Reese looked like the future. Today, both are gone.

For Chicago, it’s a gamble on a new identity. For Van Lith, it’s a fresh opportunity waiting to happen.

Because in sports, as every fan knows, today’s roster cut can easily become tomorrow’s comeback story — and honestly, who doesn’t love a good sequel?

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