One of the biggest WNBA headlines on Monday was the Chicago Sky releasing Hailey Van Lith less than a week before the start of the season.
Van Lith was having a really good preseason, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in two games. She even had 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting in the Sky’s first preseason game against the Phoenix Mercury.
The second-year guard was seemingly replaced by veteran guard Natasha Cloud, who signed a one-year deal with the Sky.
Chicago Sky Coach Tyler Marsh on Hailey Van Lith’s Release
GettyHead coach Tyler Marsh of the Chicago Sky high fives Hailey Van Lith #2 against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Speaking on Monday’s media availability, coach Tyler Marsh was asked about the Sky’s decision to release Hailey Van Lith and sign Natasha Cloud.
Marsh explained that it was all about the “numbers,” calling the decision to let Van Lith go “tough.” He had nothing but kind words for the lefty guard, who has already been linked to multiple teams, as per ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.
“The worst part of this job and the business that we’re in is you have to have a tough conversation and make tough decisions,” Marsh said, via Moreau Sports. “For us, unfortunately, sometimes it comes down to a numbers game and it’s not necessarily anything that, that Hailey did or didn’t do. She’s another one that works incredibly hard…is incredibly tough as well.”
The coach added, “It kind of comes down to a numbers game and then obviously with the, uh, with the addition of (Cloud), it’s kind of the nature of the business sometimes. She’s in great spirits.
Marsh also wished Van Lith the best regarding her journey back to a WNBA roster.
Potential Landing Spots for Hailey Van Lith
GettyHailey Van Lith #2 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Atlanta Dream during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
While Kendra Andrews mentioned several teams are interested in Hailey Van Lith, no team names were revealed.
Sports Illustrated’s Madison Williams listed the Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo as potential destinations for Van Lith.
Williams argued that the Storm is lacking guard depth behind Natisha Hiedeman and Jordan Horston, while the Dream could use a backup like Van Lith. She also has a connection with former LSU and Sky teammate Angel Reese.
However, it seems like the expansion teams are Van Lith’s best chance at finding a new home.
“It would be awesome to see Van Lith land with either one of the two expansion teams, the Portland Fire or the Toronto Tempo,” Williams wrote. “Specifically, the guard would be a better fit with the Fire as the new roster could use some help in the guard department.”
After spending her college career at Louisville, LSU and TCU, Van Lith was drafted 11th overall by the Sky last year. She averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 29 games as a rookie.
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