Misryoum reports the Chicago Sky waived Hailey Van Lith days before the WNBA regular season as the team reshapes its roster.
A roster shake-up just days before tipoff: Misryoum reports the Chicago Sky have waived Hailey Van Lith ahead of the WNBA regular season.
The team announced the decision on Monday, framing it as part of its fit with the Sky’s preferred style of play. That kind of move can signal more than lineup changes, especially in the lead-up to a season where early chemistry matters.
**Insight:** When a team waives a recently drafted player, it often reflects a strategic preference for how the roster should move, defend, and generate offense.
Misryoum notes that Van Lith was selected 11th overall in 2025 and saw limited action last season. averaging 3.5 points. 1.1 rebounds. and 1.6 assists in roughly 12 and a half minutes per game.. With the regular season beginning shortly. the timing suggests Chicago is trying to lock in a specific rotation early rather than carry a player through a period of experimentation.
Meanwhile, Van Lith is reportedly already in conversations with multiple teams. Misryoum also reports Chicago is taking steps that appear connected to her departure, including adding veteran Natasha Cloud on Monday.
**Insight:** These decisions can quickly ripple across the league, as teams look to fill role needs that align with their own tactical plans.
The broader context is a Chicago roster reset.. Misryoum reports the Sky are taking on a new look after trading away star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. and adding players such as Skylar Diggins. Rickea Jackson. and Jacy Sheldon through free agency.. Those additions point to a shift toward a blend of veteran leadership and new talent.
Coach Tyler Marsh, in his second season, is also working from a different baseline. Misryoum reports the Sky are aiming to bounce back after finishing near the bottom last year, and that the incoming guard-heavy mix, alongside rookies like Gabriela Jacquez, could be built to match Marsh’s system.
**Insight (final):** Whether a waiver becomes a footnote or a turning point often comes down to what happens next, and Chicago’s immediate priorities are already being rewritten before the opening game.