Haley Van Lith Released by Chicago Sky

Life moves quickly in the WNBA, and it seems to move even faster for Haley Van Lith.

The standout from college basketball and a highly regarded 2025 draft pick is now on the lookout for a new team after being let go by the Chicago Sky. This news might catch many off guard.

This decision comes just a year after the Sky drafted Van Lith with the 11th overall pick. Chicago has opted to bring in veteran Natasha Cloud instead, hinting that they may have doubts about Van Lith’s potential development.

Not too long ago, Van Lith was a household name in collegiate basketball and was one of the early stars within the NIL space during her time at Louisville.

In her rookie season in 2025, her performance was a bit underwhelming, averaging under four points per game. At times, fans seemed more interested in her personal connection with Jalen Suggs than her on-court prowess. It’s been a tough couple of days for Suggs and the Magic, with both exiting the NBA Playoffs in the first round.

By signing Cloud to a $555,000 deal, the Sky appear to believe that a proven player is more valuable than a promising draft pick.

This recent move also signifies a larger shift in Chicago’s strategy.

The team has been actively reshaping a roster that struggled in the previous season, most notably trading Angel Reese to Atlanta.

By parting ways with Van Lith, the Sky have effectively rolled back their gamble on her potential.

At just 24, Van Lith still has the opportunity to rebound, reminiscent of her early days at LSU, where she faced setbacks but was on the verge of stardom. As she steps into free agency, it serves as a reminder that even “can’t-miss” prospects can quickly lose momentum.