Why Chicago Sky are parting ways with Hailey Van Lith despite 1st-round pick status
This is a frustrating moment for the Sky and HVL.
Why Chicago Sky are parting ways with Hailey Van Lith despite 1st-round pick status originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Chicago Sky drafted Hailey Van Lith in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.
She didn't even make it to a second season in the Windy City, though. On Monday, the Sky announced that they are cutting ties with HVL, sending her onto waivers and then potentially free agency. They bid her farewell in a social media post: thank you, Hailey🩵 wishing you nothing but the best ahead pic.
twitter. com/YIviqhlvWi — Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 4, 2026 Fans were quickly questioning the move, particularly given the fact that the Sky had recently protected Van Lith during the expansion draft. Why did the Sky get rid of Hailey Van Lith?
The reality is that Van Lith's game simply wasn't set up for her to contribute in the modern WNBA. Listed at 5-foot-9 and potentially shorter, the lefty needed to display high-end quickness and shooting ability to fit in to a league that has gotten longer, taller and more athletic through the years. But as a rookie, she shot just 16.