The Chicago Sky has dropped a bombshell announcement after cutting Hailey Van Lith from their roster. She was drafted by the franchise last year, 11th overall, after her time with the TCU Horned Frogs. The team, in its statement, said that it decided to waive off the youngster due to “style of play preference.” And fans have already begun speculating about her next destination in the WNBA.
Van Lith averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.4 points off the bench for the Sky. The team is in a rebuild mode after they decided to trade their franchise face, Angel Reese, earlier in the offseason.
Bleacher Report shared the update on X and wrote:
“Breaking: Chicago Sky have waived Hailey Van Lith
Van Lith was their 11th overall pick in 2025”
Fans quickly turned to the comment section, as one referred to her bond with Caitlin Clark from college and suggested that she might receive an offer from the Indiana Fever. The user wrote:
“Time for Hailey Van Lith to reunite with her sister Angel Reese on the Atlanta Dream”
Some other fans were curious about the reason behind the franchise’s decision and wrote:
“Bad system or was she really that bad?”
Another user believed that Van Lith’s persistent ankle injury broke her momentum and spoiled her season, commenting:
“Sky waived Hailey Van Lith? First rounder too. Injuries really messed her up this year. Tough break.”
One more user suggested that the Sky already had several options in the guard position and wrote:
“WNBA roster cuts are brutal. 11th pick or not, they had too much guard depth and she was still raw. Hope she catches on somewhere else quick”
One fan wished good luck to the player and wrote:
“This must be so heartbreaking. But she’ll get other opportunities.”
Hailey Van Lith has played all her games off the bench and has gotten little time to show her ball-handling abilities. However, she now has an opportunity to join a team where she gets more chances to make an impact.
Can Hailey Van Lith fit with the Indiana Fever squad?
The Indiana Fever looks like a complete roster for now, but they seem to be reassessing their offensive approach. With Raven Johnson on the roster now, Caitlin Clark’s role has shifted to more of an off-ball shooter, as evident from the Fever’s recent preseason games. However, Clark’s relationship with Hailey Van Lith might help the youngster land an offer with the team.
Clark and Van Lith exchanged pleasantries earlier, despite being college rivals. However, the waived-off player is also a point guard, but doesn’t work too well off the ball. She can play with Raven Johnson off the bench for the Fever, but the possibility seems bleak for now.
Even if Hailey Van Lith doesn’t receive an offer from the Fever, she is expected to garner attention from other teams. Time will tell what direction her future will take now.
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