Chicago Sky

History

Franchise origin

In February 2005, NBA commissioner David Stern announced that Chicago had been awarded a new WNBA franchise, temporarily named WNBA Chicago. On May 27, 2005, former NBA player and coach Dave Cowens was announced as the team's first head coach and general manager. The team home would be the UIC Pavilion. On September 20, 2005, the team name and logo formally debuted at an introduction event held at the Adler Planetarium. Team President and CEO Margaret Stender explained the team colors of yellow and blue represent "[a] beautiful day in Chicago between the blue sky and bright sunlight to highlight the spectacular skyline." The event was highlighted by the appearance of several star players, including Diana Taurasi, Temeka Johnson, Sue Bird, and Ruth Riley.

In November 2005, the team held an expansion draft to help build its inaugural roster of players. Among the notable selections were Brooke Wyckoff from the Connecticut Sun, Bernadette Ngoyisa from the San Antonio Silver Stars, Elaine Powell from the Detroit Shock, and Stacey Dales (who had retired prior to the 2005 season) from the Washington Mystics.

On February 28, 2006, the team announced that two of the minority shareholders of the team are Michelle Williams, from the vocal group Destiny's Child, and Mathew Knowles, father of Destiny's Child lead singer Beyoncé Knowles.

Early years and limited success (2006–2012)

With their first ever college draft pick, the Sky selected Candice Dupree sixth overall in the 2006 WNBA draft. In their first season, the Sky achieved a 5–29 record and finished last in the Eastern Conference. After the season, head coach Dave Cowens resigned to join the coaching staff of the Detroit Pistons. University of Missouri-Kansas City women's basketball head coach Bo Overton was named the Sky's new head coach and general manager on December 12, 2006.

Despite having the highest odds of drawing the first pick in the 2007 WNBA draft lottery, the Sky ended up with the third overall pick, which they used to select Armintie Price. The team was vastly improved in the 2007 season, but still finished with a 14–20 record and were two games behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Price was named the 2007 WNBA Rookie of the Year. On March 12, 2008, the Sky announced that Overton had resigned his position of coach/general manager amid harassment allegations. Assistant coach Steven Key was named head coach/general manager.

With the second overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, the Sky selected Sylvia Fowles. In the 2008 season, the Sky once again failed to make the playoffs, posting a 12–22 record and finishing 5th in the East, as Fowles missed 17 games due to a knee injury.

In the 2009 WNBA draft, the Sky selected point guard Kristi Toliver with the third overall pick. In the 2009 season, the Sky contended for a playoff position, but finished with a record of 16-18 and lost a three-team tiebreaker to the Washington Mystics for the final playoff position.

Entering the 2010 season, the Sky moved to Allstate Arena in the suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. In the 2010 WNBA draft, the Sky selected Epiphanny Prince fourth overall. The team's roster underwent several changes, highlighted by the trades of Toliver and Dupree, and the acquisition of Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld. At one point during the season, they were at .500, just a few games back for the final playoff spot. However, they lost eight of their final ten games and were eliminated from playoff contention, finishing with a 14–20 record. Key resigned as GM and coach, and was replaced on October 28, 2010, by former LSU head coach Pokey Chatman.

Playoff runs (2013–2016)

The 2013 season was a turning point for the Sky. In the draft, they selected Elena Delle Donne with the second overall pick. Delle Donne became the first rookie to lead All-Star voting, averaging 18.1 points per game (fourth in the league) and leading the Sky to a 24–10 record and first place in the Eastern Conference. Delle Donne was named Rookie of the Year, Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time and led the league in rebounds, and Cash received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Chatman finished a close second for Coach of the Year, Delle Donne narrowly missed the Most Valuable Player award, and Fowles and Delle Donne were named to the All-WNBA first and second teams. Reaching the playoffs for the first time, the Sky lost in the conference semifinals to the Indiana Fever.

In the 2014 season, the Sky posted an unimpressive 15–19 regular season record, but qualified for the playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. Guard Allie Quigley, who had grown up in nearby Joliet, Illinois, was named Sixth Woman of the Year. In the playoffs, they won two best-of-three series in the conference semifinals and finals to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time. In the best-of-five series, they were swept by the Phoenix Mercury in three games.

In February 2015, the Sky acquired Chicago native Cappie Pondexter from the New York Liberty in a straight-up trade for Prince. Fowles, who had refused to sign a contract extension, sat out the first half of the 2015 season until she was traded in a three-team deal that sent Érika de Souza to the Sky. The team posted a 21–13 record and earned second place in the Eastern Conference. Delle Donne was named the league's MVP, Vandersloot led the league in assists, and Quigley was once again named Sixth Woman of the Year. Despite their improved regular season performance, the Sky fell to the Indiana Fever in the conference semifinals.

In the 2016 season, under the WNBA's new playoff format where teams were seeded regardless of conference, the Sky finished 4th in the league and returned to the playoffs. Missing the injured Delle Donne in the postseason, they lost 3–1 in the semifinals to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Rebuilding (2017–2018)

The Sky hired Amber Stocks as head coach and general manager, replacing Chatman, on December 6, 2016. During the 2016–17 offseason, in what was called one of the biggest trades in league history, the Sky traded Delle Donne to the Washington Mystics, receiving Kahleah Copper, Stefanie Dolson, and the Mystics' second overall pick (turned into Alaina Coates) in the 2017 WNBA draft. In the 2017 season, the Sky posted a 12–22 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

Before the 2018 season, the Sky moved their home games to Wintrust Arena. In the 2018 WNBA draft, the Sky selected Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams in the first round. The team posted a 13–21 record and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season. On August 31, 2018, the Sky relieved Stocks as head coach and general manager. During these seasons, Vandersloot led the league in assists (setting a new assists-per-game record in 2017) and Quigley won back-to-back Three-Point Contests at the All-Star Game.

Return to the playoffs and first championship (2019–22)

In November 2018, the Sky hired James Wade as the team's new head coach and general manager. The Sky selected Katie Lou Samuelson in the first round of the 2019 WNBA draft and traded away Coates. The 2019 season would be a turnaround for the Sky, as they finished with a 20–14 record and entered the playoffs as a fifth seed. Wade received the Coach of the Year Award, and Vandersloot exceeded her own assists-per-game record for the second straight season. Vandersloot, Quigley, and DeShields were all named All-Stars, and DeShields won the All-Star Game Skills Challenge. In the playoffs, they defeated the Phoenix Mercury in the first round, but then lost to the Las Vegas Aces on the road on a buzzer-beater in the final seconds.

In the 2020 season, which was shortened and held in a bubble in Bradenton, Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sky showed promise early in the season but battled injuries and ended the season with a sixth-seeded 12–10 record. They lost a first round single-elimination game to the Phoenix Mercury.

On February 1, 2021, the Sky announced the signing of free agent Candace Parker, a two-time MVP and Finals MVP. Parker, who had grown up in Naperville, Illinois and played her first 12 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Sparks, stated that she wanted to return to her hometown team. The Sky had a volatile 2021 season, including a seven-game losing streak and a seven-game winning streak, which they ended with a 16–16 record. They entered the playoffs as the 6th seed, winning two single-elimination games and a semifinals series against the Connecticut Sun on their way to the Finals. On October 17, 2021, the Sky won their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Phoenix Mercury 3–1 in the 2021 WNBA Finals. Kahleah Copper was named the Finals MVP. A parade and rally to celebrate the team were held on October 19, 2021. Since the new playoff format was adopted, the Sky became the lowest-seeded team and first team without a winning record to win the championship.

In the offseason, longtime center Dolson left the team in free agency and the Sky added former Finals MVP Emma Meesseman. The team's success continued in the 2022 season, posting a 26–10 record and earning the second seed. The Sky also appeared in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, hosting the game but losing to the Las Vegas Aces. In the playoffs, the Sky defeated the New York Liberty in the first round, but lost in the semifinals to the Connecticut Sun.

Rebuilding and roster and coaching changes (2023–present)

The 2023 season marked a period of significant change for the Sky, with many longtime players departing in free agency, including Vandersloot, Quigley, Azurá Stevens, and Parker. Centered on Copper and new roster additions including Marina Mabrey, Courtney Williams, Elizabeth Williams, and Alanna Smith, the team's record hovered around .500 for much of the season. In July, head coach James Wade announced his resignation to take an assistant coaching position with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Assistant coach Emre Vatansever served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The team finished as the eighth-seed with a 18–22 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces.

In October 2023, the Sky named Teresa Weatherspoon as the new head coach and Jeff Pagliocca as the new general manager. In another turbulent offseason, starters Courtney Williams and Smith left the team in free agency, and Copper was traded to the Mercury. Through various trades, the Sky eventually acquired the third and seventh pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, selecting Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. The Sky had a solid start to the 2024 season and went into the Olympic break in eighth place with a 10–14 record. During the break, Mabrey was traded to the Sun. The Sky ultimately finished 10th with a 13–27 record and failed to make the playoffs. After the season, Weatherspoon was fired.

In November 2024, Tyler Marsh was named the new head coach. In the offseason, Vandersloot returned to the team as a free agent, and the Sky traded their third overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft to the Mystics in exchange for Ariel Atkins. The 2025 season was a difficult one for the Sky, who finished with a league-worst 10–34 record—their worst result since the franchise's inaugural season. They started the year 3–10 and struggled to find consistency due to injuries and player absences, including extended stretches without their top three players: Vandersloot, who played only seven games; Atkins, who missed seven games; and Reese, who sat out more than 10 games. At the All-Star break, the Sky stood at 7–16, with frequent lineup changes and an unsettled rotation contributing to their lack of momentum. The season was also marked by controversy when, in early September, Reese voiced her frustration in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, calling for major roster upgrades and hinting she may leave if the team's outlook doesn’t improve. The organization responded by suspending her for half a game due to "statements detrimental to the team," a move widely criticized by fans and seen as disproportionate. Reese, who averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals, led the WNBA in rebounding for the second year straight and made her second All-Star appearance. Despite the team’s struggles, both Reese and Cardoso (13.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists) showed promising individual growth, but the relationship between the front office and its players remains uncertain heading into next season. Reese wound up traded to the Atlanta Dream for draft picks in 2026, and the Sky followed her departure signing Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and DiJonai Carrington, as well as bringing back 2021 champion Azurá Stevens.

Name, logo, and uniforms

Uniforms

2006–2010: At home, white with light blue on the sides. Collar is light blue. On the road, light blue with gold on the sides. Collar is gold.

2011–2012: At home, white with light blue stripes on the sides. Collar is light blue. On the road, light blue with gold stripes on the sides. Collar is gold. In addition, both the home and away uniforms feature the team nickname and numbers in gold.

2013–2014: A new number and name font was introduced, while the basic uniform design was retained.

2015: Magellan Corporation introduced as new Jersey sponsor. Unlike most teams with jersey sponsors, the Sky opted to emblazon the Magellan logo on the left shoulder in place of the team's alternate logo.

2016: As part of a league-wide initiative, all games featured all-color uniform matchups. Therefore, the Sky unveiled a gold uniform in addition to their regular light blue road uniform. Magellan was retained as the uniform sponsor.

2018: Magellan was joined by University of Chicago Medicine as jersey sponsors.

Mascot

Skye the Lioness is the mascot of the Sky. The team introduced Skye the Lioness on August 26, 2024. This replaced the team’s previous mascot, “Sky Guy”. The choice of a lioness was inspired by the famed lion sculptures adorning the main entrance of building of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The mascot character was designed under the direction of Chicago Sky CMO Tania Haladner and designed by the mascot designer Tom Sapp and the team at Real Characters Inc, who have created other mascots for teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, the University of Florida, and the Denver Nuggets. Its debut game was August 28, 2024, at the Wintrust arena. The team's legacy mascot, Sky Guy, remained through the 2024 season to support Skye the Lioness' debut.

Players

Former players

Imani Boyette (2016–2017)

Tamera Young (2009–2017)

Swin Cash (2012–2013)

Kahleah Copper (2017–2023), now a member of the Phoenix Mercury

Monique Currie (2007)

Stacey Dales (2006–2007)

Elena Delle Donne (2013–2016)

Érika de Souza (2015–2016)

Stefanie Dolson (2017–2021), now a member of the Seattle Storm

Clarissa dos Santos (2015–2016)

Candice Dupree (2006–2009), currently the head coach at Tennessee State

Sylvia Fowles (2008–2014)

Cathrine Kraayeveld (2010–2011)

Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert (2006)

Nikki McCray (2006)

Chasity Melvin (2006–2008)

Bernadette Ngoyisa (2006–2007)

Chelsea Newton (2006)

Candace Parker (2021–2022)

Jia Perkins (2006–2010)

Cappie Pondexter (2015–2017)

Elaine Powell (2006), currently an assistant coach for the Minnesota Lynx

Coaches and staff

Owners

Michael J. Alter and Nadia Rawlinson (2023–present)

General managers

Dave Cowens (2006)

Bo Overton (2007)

Steven Key (2008–2010)

Pokey Chatman (2011–2016)

Amber Stocks (2017–2018)

James Wade (2019–2023)

Emre Vatansever (2023)

Jeff Pagliocca (2024–present)

Media coverage

Chicago Sky games are broadcast locally in an exclusive agreement with Independent Station WCIU-TV. Local broadcasters for the Sky games are Lisa Byington and Stephen Bardo. Select games are broadcast nationally on ABC(WLS-TV), ESPN, CBS(WBBM-TV), Ion(WCPX-TV), NBA TV, Amazon Prime Video, NBC (WMAQ-TV), USA, and NBCSN.

The Sky was on radio for two seasons on WVON-AM 1690 with Les Grobstein on play-by-play and Tajua Catchings (whose sister Tamika Catchings is a star with the Indiana Fever) handling color. After 2008, WVON did not carry games any longer over a financial disagreement, and the Sky has not been on radio since. The radio broadcast of their home games were online during the 2008 season, but never since.

All-time notes

Regular season attendance

A sellout for a basketball game at UIC Pavilion (2006–2009) is 6,972.

A sellout for a basketball game at Allstate Arena (2010–2017) is 17,500.

A sellout for a basketball game at Wintrust Arena (2018–present) is 10,387.

Draft picks

2006 Expansion Draft: Jia Perkins, Brooke Wyckoff, Elaine Powell, Kiesha Brown, Deanna Jackson, Laura Macchi, Stacey Lovelace, DeTrina White, Ashley Robinson, Chelsea Newton, Bernadette Ngoyisa, Francesca Zara, Stacey Dales

2006: Candice Dupree (6), Jennifer Harris (20), Kerri Gardin (34)

2007 Charlotte Dispersal Draft: Monique Currie (1)

2007: Armintie Price (3), Carla Thomas (10), Stephanie Raymond (20), Jessica Dickson (21), Jenna Rubino (27)

2008: Sylvia Fowles (2), Quianna Chaney (19), Angela Tisdale (33)

2009 Houston Dispersal Draft: Mistie Williams Bass (3)

2009: Kristi Toliver (3), Danielle Gant (16), Jennifer Risper (29)

2010 Sacramento Dispersal Draft: Courtney Paris (4)

2010: Epiphanny Prince (4), Abi Olajuwon (28)

2011: Courtney Vandersloot (3), Carolyn Swords (15), Angie Bjorklund (17), Amy Jaeschke (27)

2012: Shey Peddy (23), Sydney Carter (27)

2013: Elena Delle Donne (2), Brooklyn Pope (28)

2014: Markeisha Gatling (10), Gennifer Brandon (22), Jamierra Faulkner (34)

2015: Cheyenne Parker (5), Betnijah Laney (17), Aleighsa Welch (22)

2016: Imani Boyette (10), Jordan Jones (34)

Trades

June 29, 2006: The Sky traded Ashley Robinson to the Seattle Storm in exchange for Cisti Greenwalt and a second-round pick in the 2007 Draft.

March 23, 2007: The Sky traded Chelsea Newton and the 21st pick in the 2007 Draft to the Sacramento Monarchs for the 10th pick in the 2007 Draft.

May 24, 2007: The Sky traded Monique Currie to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Chasity Melvin.

August 12, 2009: The Sky traded Armintie Price to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for Tamera Young.

March 30, 2010: The Sky traded Candice Dupree to the Phoenix Mercury and a second-round pick in the 2010 Draft to the New York Liberty in exchange for Shameka Christon and Cathrine Kraayeveld from New York. New York also received Cappie Pondexter and Kelly Mazzante from Phoenix.

May 13, 2010: The Sky traded Kristi Toliver to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2011 Draft.

April 20, 2011: The Sky traded Jia Perkins to the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Michelle Snow.

June 1, 2011: The Sky traded a second-round pick in the 2012 Draft to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton.

January 2, 2012: The Sky traded the second pick in the 2012 Draft to the Seattle Storm in exchange for Swin Cash, Le'coe Willingham, and the 23rd pick in the 2012 Draft.

March 14, 2012: The Sky traded a third-round pick in the 2013 Draft to the San Antonio Silver Stars in exchange for Sonja Petrovic.

May 7, 2014: The Sky traded Swin Cash to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for Courtney Clements.

All-Stars

2006: Candice Dupree

2007: Candice Dupree

2008: No All-Star Game

2009: Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Jia Perkins

2010: Sylvia Fowles

2011: Sylvia Fowles, Epiphanny Prince, Courtney Vandersloot

2012: No All-Star Game

2013: Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Epiphany Prince

2014: Jessica Breland, Elena Delle Donne

2015: Elena Delle Donne, Cappie Pondexter ·

2016: No All-Star Game

2017: Stefanie Dolson, Allie Quigley

2018: Allie Quigley

2019: Diamond DeShields, Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot

2020: No All-Star Game

2021: Kahleah Copper, Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot

2022: Kahleah Copper, Emma Meesseman, Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot

2023: Kahleah Copper

2024: Angel Reese

2025: Angel Reese

Olympians

2008: Sylvia Fowles

2012: Swin Cash, Sylvia Fowles

2016: Elena Delle Donne, Erika de Souza (BRA), Clarissa Dos Santos (BRA)

2020: Astou Ndour (ESP), Stefanie Dolson

Arenas

UIC Pavilion (2006–2009)

Allstate Arena (2010–2017)

Wintrust Arena (2018–present)