Chicago Sky Offense Stumbles in Loss to Minnesota Lynx
By Alex Sabri
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
If it isn’t one thing for the Chicago Sky this season, chances are it’ll always be another.
The Sky chose defense over offense in a 79-58 home loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Kamilla Cardoso still took point for Chicago with 12 points while tacking on a team-leading 13 rebounds. Forward Nia Coffey highlighted a starter-led attack from the Lynx with 20 points to pair with eight rebounds. A rebound-heavy game saw Cardoso grab double-digit boards for the fourth time this season. The Sky and the Lynx finished with a near dead-even split in paint points and total rebounds, while Minnesota won the fast break battle with 10 points to Chicago’s two. The Sky added 18 turnovers, a season high, after averaging just 12 per game in their first eight matchups.
“It was one of those nights,” Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh said in a postgame conference. “Their pressure defensively, they made us run our offense a little extended today. They were in passing lanes, they were disruptive. Credit to them.
“But, we’ve done a good job for a majority of the season of taking care of the ball. I don’t foresee that being an issue moving forward.”
The Sky rolled out the same starting lineup featuring Azura Stevens for the second game in a row. Stevens suited up in Sky blue for the first time since 2022 during Chicago’s second matchup with the Lynx, where she logged six points and three rebounds in what would ultimately be a Sky loss.
The former Sky champion tallied four points and one rebound in what would be a slower game for the veteran forward. Skylar Diggins, who was once her championship rival as a member of the Phoenix Mercury, continued to play captain for the slow-moving squad even as Chicago struggled to get things going.
A battle of ice-cold offenses ended in favor of the Lynx, who found just enough firepower to sneak past the Sky on their home court. The Sky scored just 30 points by the halftime horn and 58 points by game’s end, a stark difference from their 104-point explosion in their loss to the Toronto Tempo. An up-and-down year for the Sky’s punch on offense saw them even out at about 9th place in the WNBA in points per game heading into the night, a decent rise from their last-place spot just one season ago, before falling to their season-low point total in the weekday game.
Chicago’s go-to options kept pace with its Midwestern foes in the opening minutes with an inside-and-out attack featuring drives and dives from Diggins and Cardoso. The Sky fell behind as the spark it once held was all but extinguished by the middle of the quarter. They ended with a clip of just over 22% from the floor in the first quarter, their worst in the quarter in the regular season since a 2025 loss to the Atlanta Dream. Their 16.7% from the 3-point line marked the fifth time this season they hit that mark or lower in the quarter, continuing a trend of slow starts that put them in 14th place in the league in quarter points per contest entering the night. Neither side ended with a mark of over 29% from beyond the arc as Coffey was the only player to find some life from long range.
Where one series ends, another will start anew, as the Washington Mystics will be slated to face Chicago first in a 6-game stretch of Commissioner’s Cup play.
The Mystics have added a slew of new rookies, along with former Sky forward Michaela Onyenwere, since the Sky ended their 2025 campaign with a 1-3 record against their D.C. counterparts. Chicago fell to 3-5 overall while remaining winless at home with their weekday loss. The Sky last walked away with a win in a May victory over the Lynx on the road, where they hold a 3-1 record following their strongest 4-game start in three seasons.
“The tough part is, we’re dropping these games at home,” Marsh said. “But, we also have the confidence to know that we can go win anywhere on the road, too.
“We’ve got to continue to learn from this. We can’t get too down and out about it. We’ve got to go back to work. But we understand what we have in the locker room, the players that we have. They’re committed. They’re fighting for each other. That’s all you can ask from my standpoint and from our staff’s standpoint.”
The Commissioner’s Cup has proven to be a recent point of turmoil for a Sky squad still in search of answers since its WNBA championship era. The Sky, who once dominated their Cup schedules, have won five of their last 20 Cup games since they battled the Las Vegas Aces in the 2022 championship game. They’re slated to only face Eastern Conference foes, including their cross-state rivals in the Indiana Fever, in the sixth edition of the league’s in-season tournament. Chicago earned its one and only 2025 Cup game win against the Connecticut Sun, who will take to Wintrust Arena for the second of the Sky’s Cup bouts after falling to 1-8 in their first nine matchups.
The Sky will tip off against the Mystics at 6:30 p.m. CDT on Tuesday in CareFirst Arena. The game will be broadcast on The U and WCIU.
Howard, Lynx Bully Sky in Second Consecutive Home Loss
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Minnesota Lynx rode a dominant first half from Natasha Howard and staved off a late Chicago rally to defeat the Sky, 85-75.
The Sky took an early lead but had no answers for Howard as the Lynx took control. She scored 22 of her game-high 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the first half–four shy of the Sky’s team total in that span.
“Not a lot of physicality. They didn’t feel us at all, really, in the first half,” said Sky coach Tyler Marsh. “I thought we conceded too easily on switches.”
Center Kamilla Cardoso led the Sky (3-3) with 17 points and seven rebounds. Guard Skylar Diggins added 12.
Minnesota maintained a double-digit advantage until midway through the third quarter, when rookie Sydney Taylor started to put in work.
Taylor, who initially signed a training camp contract with the Sky, hit a side-step three-pointer with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter, cutting Minnesota’s lead to three. However, the Sky would get no closer.
Taylor finished with 11 points in her first regular-season WNBA game.
“It felt really good today,” she said. “I feel like my job is to provide that spark when I come in and when we’re down.”
The Chicago Sky's Kamilla Cardosa drives against the Minnesota Lynx's Natasha Howard (right). The Lynx defeated the Sky 85-75 on Saturday May 23, 2026 at Chicago's Wintrust Arena. Photo by Brandon Collier, ON AIR Daily News
Forward Azura Stevens also gave Chicago a lift in her first game back from a knee injury. Stevens played three seasons for the Sky and was a key player for their 2021 championship team.
“It was really special,” she said of playing in Chicago again. “Obviously, when they called my name, I heard all the cheering and it just felt really good. This place is home to me and I love the fans.”
The Sky have three days off before their next game at home against the expansion Toronto Tempo.
Wings Defeat Sky In Home Opener 99-89
Big Nights From Bueckers, Ogunbowale Power Wings
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
Dallas Wings guards Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale scored 24 and 23 points apiece and Jessica Shepard finished with her second career triple-double as the Wings spoiled the Chicago Sky’s home opener in a 99-89 defeat.
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Sky (3-2), with Natasha Cloud adding
The Sky got out to a fast start behind Cardoso’s 12 points in the first half, which included her scoring the Sky’s first 10 points in the second quarter. Then, Dallas pulled an Uno reverse card on Chicago with some unexpected subs.
“It was things that they did, matchup-wise, that we hadn’t seen them do,” said Sky guard Skylar Diggins. “(Dallas guard) Odyssey (Sims) came out the lineup, Azzi (Fudd) took those minutes.”
Fudd scored 12 points off the bench for Dallas, who also used former Sky big Li Yueru and Aziaha James to ward off Chicago’s defensive pressure. The Wings continued to surge after halftime through Bueckers and Ogunbowale, who dropped 32 points combined after the break.
“The shots they were making at the end were incredible. They have two great shotmakers on their team,” said Diggins. “I think we were a little more undisciplined than we usually are defensively.”
On the other side, Cardoso played well alongside Elizabeth Williams, as the Sky used both bigs in their lineup in an effort to replace the injured Rickea Jackson.
"The shots they were making at the end were incredible." Diggins
"The shots they were making at the end were incredible." Diggins
“It’s tough when you lose a player like ‘Kea,” said Cardoso. “I thought Gabz (Gabriela Jaquez) and E (Williams) and everybody who played the ‘4’ did well tonight.”
Diggins was not happy with her own play or the team’s defensive effort, but she and Cardoso both think the team will need more time to build chemistry before their results can be judged. Or to quote Diggins herself:
“I ain’t trippin.”
Chicago Sky Lose Rickea Jackson For Season After Injury
Torn ACL Takes Jackson Out
By Justin Evans
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky suffered a major early-season setback Tuesday after announcing forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to a torn ACL. According to the organization, an MRI revealed Jackson suffered a torn left anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the Sky’s May 17 matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. Jackson is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The injury comes as a devastating blow for both Jackson and a Chicago Sky team that was beginning to build momentum around its revamped roster. Through the opening stretch of the season, Jackson had emerged as one of the team’s most impactful players on both ends of the floor.
“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement released by the team. “Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year.”
Pagliocca also praised Jackson’s toughness and expressed confidence in the organization’s medical staff as she begins the recovery process.
Jackson quickly became a key piece of Chicago’s identity entering the 2026 season. Her ability to defend multiple positions, attack in transition, and create offense made her one of the Sky’s most versatile players early in the year.
Sky Forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
Now, Chicago will be forced to adjust without one of its rising stars for the remainder of the season. The injury also raises questions about how the Sky will navigate the rest of the year in an increasingly competitive WNBA landscape.
While Jackson’s season comes to a heartbreaking end, the organization remains optimistic about her long-term future and eventual return to the court.
Sky Wins Over Valkyries 69-63
Jackson, Sheldon’s rugged effort lead Sky to first win over Valkyries
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky are finally making team history they can be proud of.
Forward Rickea Jackson scored a team-high 18 points and guard Jacy Sheldon hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 5:51 remaining, as the Sky defeated the Golden State Valkyries 69-63 at the Chase Center on May 13. It marked the Sky’s first-ever win against the Valkyries and their first 2-0 start on the road since 2023.
After both teams struggled shooting in the first half, Jackson and Sheldon (15 points) combined for 24 of the Sky’s 43 points in the second half. Jackson also played well on defense, forcing Valkyries sharpshooter Janelle Salaun into an 0-for-4 night from deep.
Jackson was sporting a large gold chain embossed with “Big Dog” and the Sky logo in the postgame press conference. She said the chain was the result of her teammates’ play, but Sky guard Jacy Sheldon disagreed.
“She earned that,” Sheldon said with a laugh.
Guard Skylar Diggins scored 15 points and added seven assists. Recently acquired vets guards Natasha Cloud and rookie Gabriela Jaquez added 14 points and nine boards, and repeatedly deflected passes and disrupted the Valkyries’ offense in the second half.
“That’s just Tash. The first day she came to practice, you just hear her, you feel her aura,” Jackson said about Cloud’s influence on the team.
Former Sky forward Gabby Williams scored 18 points for Golden State (2-1), which shot a season-low 29 percent from the field. Kayla Thornton missed all 11 of her shots.
When asked what lessons his team could take from the “ugly win,” head coach Tyler Marsh had a ready response.
“If you fight, you’ll never be out of a game,” he said.
Chicago Sky Sign Veteran Natasha Cloud
Sky Waive Former First-round Pick Hailey Van Lith
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky made two significant roster moves Monday, waiving former first-round pick Hailey Van Lith and signing 10-year veteran and former WNBA champion Natasha Cloud.
Van Lith, the number 11 pick in the 2025 draft, was tabbed to be the lead guard in head coach Tyler Marsh’s new offensive system, following the departures of Dana Evans and Lindsay Allen. However, she endured a rough rookie campaign, averaging only 3.5 points in 29 games.
The 2026 season looked much brighter for Van Lith. She scored 20 points and didn’t miss a field goal in Chicago’s first preseason game against Phoenix. She was one of the few bright spots in the Sky’s loss to Atlanta on April 29, dishing six assists and finishing plus-14.
However, the Sky showed deficiencies on defense in their two preseason games, particularly at the perimeter on dribble-drives and in the pick-and-roll. Marsh made it clear following the loss against the Dream that the team would need to address those flaws immediately.
The 33-year-old Cloud has averaged 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds and a steal in her 10 WNBA seasons. She was named to the league’s All-Defensive Team three times and is fifth in league history in assists per game. She also recorded her career best in win shares with the New York Liberty in 2025.
Hailey Van Lith dribbles during Chicago Sky training camp on Tuesday, April 21 at UIC’s Flames Athletic Center. The Sky waived Van Lith on May 4. (Photo Credit: Brandon Collier/ON AIR Daily News)
“Natasha is the one of the best passers and defenders in our league,” said Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca in a team statement. “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.”
With Van Lith’s departure and the pickup of Cloud, the Sky’s updated roster stands at 14 on the team’s website. Notable inclusions are Aicha Coulibaly and Sydney Taylor, who scored a game-high 23 points against the Dream. Teams are allowed a maximum of 12 players on the regular roster and two slots for development players, who must have fewer than three years of WNBA experience.
Marsh spoke after an April 21 practice about how difficult it would be for younger players to stay on the roster.
“It’s a roster of 15, 16 players and several–half of them are competing for two or three spots,” he said then.
The deadline for final rosters is May 7 at 5 pm Eastern time.
Chicago Bulls Select Bryson Graham To Lead Rebuild Process
By Joshua M Hicks
Sports Editor
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Bulls took their first step in their new rebuild by selecting Bryson Graham as their new Vice President of Basketball Operations on Monday.
Known for his scouting and eye for talent, the Bulls felt he was the correct pick to lead the team through a complete rebuild.
Coming from the Atlanta Hawks as a senior vice president, Graham helped turn the Hawks franchise around from one of the worst teams in the league to playoff contenders before ultimately losing to the Knicks 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs.
Prior to his short tenure in Atlanta, Graham was part of the New Orleans Pelicans franchise for 15 years, where he helped acquire and discover this year’s Most Improved Player of the Year winner guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and last season’s Most Improved Player recipient and NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, guard Dyson Daniels.
He also played a role in drafting forward Trey Murphy III at No. 17 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, adding 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive First Team honoree forward Herb Jones and signing undrafted guards Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado.
Per the Bulls, an introductory press conference will be scheduled later this week.
Chicago Sky Lean Into Versatility, Leadership
2026 Media Day
2026 Media Day
2026 Media Day
Point Guard Skylar Diggins shares her vision as a member of the Chicago Sky basketball team with reporters at the Chicago Sky Media Day 2026. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
By Justin Evans,
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
CHICAGO — A clear message echoed throughout Chicago Sky Media Day 2026: this team isn’t just building a roster—it’s building an identity.
From the front office to the locker room, the focus is centered on creating a more competitive, versatile, and connected group heading into the new WNBA season.
General Manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized that vision, pointing to a roster constructed with intention.
“We’re building a team with a championship mindset,” Pagliocca said. “More athleticism, more size, more versatility—this is a competitive group.”
That versatility starts with players like forward Rickea Jackson, who Pagliocca described as “extremely versatile,” capable of impacting the game across multiple positions.
But beyond talent, leadership remains at the core of the Sky’s identity—especially with the addition of veteran guard Skylar Diggins-Smith.
“She’s a strong leader, a great player, and still has a lot left in the tank,” Pagliocca said. “She’s extremely competitive.”
Head coach Tyler Marsh is already seeing the impact of that leadership take shape within the group.
“Her leadership has greatly impacted the team,” Marsh said. “We’re looking forward to bringing all these pieces together with our veteran leadership.”
Marsh also pointed to the growth of younger players like Gabby Williams, emphasizing her willingness to learn and adapt.
“The best part about her is that she’s an open book,” he said. “She’s learning a lot, especially being around great veterans.”
For Diggins-Smith, the decision to join Chicago was about more than basketball.
“The culture here, the roster moves—it all stood out,” she said. “Being from South Bend, Indiana, this feels like home. I’m excited to work with both the veterans and the rookies.”
Her presence is already resonating throughout the locker room.
Veteran guard Rachel Banham described Diggins-Smith as both a leader and a source of energy for the team.
“She’s very funny—always laughing,” Banham said. “It’s so important to have her here.”
2026 Media Day
2026 Media Day
Chicago Sky Guard Rachel Banham speaks during the Chicago Sky 2026 Media Day. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
Banham also emphasized her own focus heading into the season.
“I pride myself on defense, and I’m excited to run the floor alongside Skylar and Courtney Vandersloot.”
That backcourt dynamic could become one of the Sky’s biggest strengths, as Vandersloot continues her recovery from an ACL injury while remaining actively engaged with the team.
“I want to be present in the locker room,” Vandersloot said. “I believe Skylar will elevate this team, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work together in a dual point guard system.”
For Jackson, the transition to Chicago has already felt natural.
“It feels like home,” she said. “I just want to improve every aspect of my game, and having leaders like Vandersloot has been really impactful.”
Meanwhile, center Kamilla Cardoso is focused on elevating her defensive presence.
“I’m working on my perimeter defense and trusting myself more,” Cardoso said. “At the end of the day, I just want to win.”
Veteran forward Azurá Stevens is embracing a leadership role while working her way back from injury, offering guidance to younger players along the way.
“I’m excited to get back,” Stevens said. “Winning a championship in 2021 motivates me even more, and I’m looking forward to playing alongside this group.”
The Sky are also adding depth with guard DiJonai Carrington, who described Chicago as the right situation at the right time.
“I’m excited to be here,” Carrington said. “I had a successful surgery, and while there’s no set timeline yet, I can’t wait to get back on the floor and bring balance to this team.”
Forward Maddy Westbeld is already feeling the impact of the team’s veteran leadership.
“Skylar’s encouragement has been huge,” Westbeld said. “You can feel the support across the roster.”
As the Sky continues to build chemistry and integrate new pieces, the foundation is clear.
A team built on versatility. Driven by leadership. Focused on winning.
Media Day may mark the beginning—but for the Chicago Sky, expectations are already in place.
Loss to Reese-led Atlanta Dream Shows Sky Still Missing Her
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky’s 87-78 loss to the Atlanta Dream in their final preseason game was a night of missing pieces.
Skylar Diggins was a late scratch for personal reasons. Center Elizabeth Williams and forward Azura Stevens were still out with injury. And the lopsided loss highlighted the Angel Reese-sized hole the Sky are trying to fill.
Don’t be fooled by the final score. The Dream smothered Chicago from the opening tip.
“We were very reactionary, whether it was schematically or it was from a physicality standpoint,” said Sky head coach Tyler Marsh. “We weren’t the aggressors often enough today.”
The box score emphasized Marsh’s point. Chicago turned the ball over 10 times in the first half, when most starters played. No Sky starter scored in double figures. Center Kamilla Cardoso in particular had trouble navigating Atlanta’s double- and triple-teams, as she missed four of five shots and turned the ball over five times.
Meanwhile, Reese was her usual double-double hunting self, logging eight points, seven rebounds and three steals in 12 minutes of game time.
Training camp invitee guard Sydney Taylor scored a game-high 23 points and was part of a group that energized the team in the second half. Marsh praised her effort and acknowledged how difficult the decision on roster cuts will be in the coming days.
The Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso (right) goes up for a shot against the Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese during Chicago’s 87-78 loss at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Brandon Collier/ON AIR Daily News)
Sky Plays Video Tribute To Reese
Finding the key to improving Chicago’s defense could be more difficult. The Sky had a tough preseason draw with the Phoenix Mercury and then an Atlanta team Marsh called “championship-caliber.” Still, allowing 191 points in two games is alarming.
In a moment emblematic of the night, the Sky played a video tribute to Reese during a timeout in the first quarter. The crowd of 6,139 cheered.
Reese did not appear to acknowledge the video or the fans. She seems to have moved on.
The Sky hasn't gotten there quite yet.
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor, defended by Bella Fontleroy (22) and Madina Okot, shoots a layup during an 87-78 loss to the Atlanta Dream at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Brandon Collier/ON AIR Daily News)
Inside Chicago Sky Camp
New Pieces, Growing Chemistry, and a Championship Mindset
By Justin Evans,
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Energy, optimism, and a sense of unfinished business filled the gym Wednesday afternoon as the Chicago Sky continued to build toward the 2026 season.
With a mix of veteran leadership and intriguing new additions, the early days of camp have centered on one thing: putting the pieces together.
“It’s like a puzzle,” center Kamilla Cardoso said. “Once we figure it out and build that chemistry, everything’s going to be amazing.
”
A New-Look Roster Finding Its Identity
The Sky’s roster has undergone a noticeable transformation, bringing in versatile talent across the board. Players like Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, and other newcomers have already made an impression—not just with their skill, but with how they fit into the bigger picture.
Cardoso emphasized how impactful veteran voices have been early in camp.
“It’s amazing to have them around just to help,” she said, pointing to the guidance from experienced teammates helping accelerate development.There’s also a personal connection fueling excitement. Cardoso lit up when discussing rookie Gabriela Jaquez, highlighting their shared Latino heritage as something meaningful both on and off the court.
Growth Beyond the Paint
After a busy offseason that included international play in China and time in Brazil, Cardoso returns with an expanded game.
She’s no longer just a dominant presence inside.
“I feel very comfortable shooting out to 15 feet and beyond,” she said, crediting her time overseas where post players are encouraged to stretch the floor.
That evolution is something head coach Tyler Marsh and his staff are actively leaning into.
Marsh made it clear the vision for Cardoso goes far beyond the low block.
“She’s not just a post player,” Marsh said. “Her mobility, agility, and vision allow us to use her in multiple ways—pick-and-roll, playmaking, spacing. We don’t want to be stagnant.”
Rickea Jackson Embracing a Bigger Role
Forward Rickea Jackson enters camp with a clear mindset: become a true two-way, multi-dimensional player.
“I don’t want to be put in a box,” Jackson said. “I want to impact the game on both ends.”
Jackson also sees herself as a key part of Chicago’s push back toward contention, referencing the organization’s championship pedigree while embracing the challenge of helping lead a new era.
Her early chemistry with Cardoso is already a storyline to watch.
“I’m excited,” Jackson said. “I can pass, and I think that’s underrated. Playing with a big like her, we can do a lot.”
Building Toward Something Bigger
While the Sky are still developing continuity, the messaging from Marsh has been consistent: this isn’t about replicating the past—it’s about creating a new standard.
“Championships come from habits, from standards, from mindset,” Marsh said. “This is a different team. We’re building something new day by day.”
That foundation starts with young cornerstones like Cardoso and Jackson, who the organization views as central to its long-term success.
Surrounding them with high-level facilitators and floor spacers has created the framework for a more dynamic offense—one built on movement, versatility, and decision-making.
Early Impressions and What’s Next
Training camp has already revealed flashes of potential. Rookie guard Sydney Taylor has stood out as a confident shot-maker, while returning players continue to adjust and find rhythm within the system.
Still, the real test is coming.
A preseason matchup this weekend will offer the first glimpse of how the pieces come together in a game setting—an opportunity to evaluate chemistry, execution, and how younger players respond under pressure.
For now, though, the focus remains internal.
The Sky aren’t fully assembled yet—but they’re close enough to see what it could become.
And if the early tone of camp is any indication, they believe it’s something worth building toward.
Sheldon’s Under-the-Radar Acquisition Boosts Chicago Sky
Speed Thrills
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
It was Monday, April 20, the second day of the Chicago Sky’s training camp. The team had just finished a long scrimmage against their scout team. The team huddled in the middle of the floor, where head coach Tyler Marsh talked about “respecting the game, respecting your teammates.” Then the group, sans injured players and veterans, walked to the baseline for end-of-practice wind sprints.
Each time down the floor, the same player was strides ahead of everyone else: third-year guard Jacy Sheldon.
The Sky are Sheldon’s fourth team in three years, but she was worthwhile enough to general manager Jeff Pagliocca that he traded a first-round pick in two years to get her. Her speed and shooting eye (she shot nearly 40 percent on threes last season) fit with Marsh’s offensive ideals, and her tenacity gives the Sky a wild rover on defense.
“The speed at which Jacy plays with is a great element to have, both on and off the ball,” said Marsh. “Any downhill threat is welcome, and for us, being able to generate paint touches opens up the floor for everyone else offensively.”
Chicago Sky guard Jacy Sheldon runs wind sprints ahead of rookie Gabriela Jaquez (far right) after practice at UIC’s Flames Athletic Center on April 20, 2026. (John Alexander/ON AIR Daily News)
The trade for Sheldon might have been lost in the shuffle of a six-day span where the Sky traded away Angel Reese for draft picks, then signed guards Skylar Diggins and DiJonai Carrington, got back gerd Courtney Vandersloot and forward Azura Stevens, and flipped guard Ariel Atkins to Los Angeles for forward Rickea Jackson. Even first-round draft pick guard Gabriela Jaquez caught the eye of fans who were sour, then sweet again in Chicago after the Angel trade.
Yet Sheldon, who played for assistant coach Latricia Trammell her rookie season in Dallas, could be a player who pushes the Sky into the category of top contender.
“I was really impressed with Jacy, I love her energy,” said Stevens after Monday’s practice. “It was so cool to see her just come in and just bring that spark.”
It’s that kind of energy that can keep Sheldon–and the Sky–going when other teams start to lag behind.
Chemistry Builds for Chicago Sky
They Look Toward Preseason Slate
By Christopher Pennant
ON AIR Daily News
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh shared a few words with star guard Skylar Diggins following the team’s end-of-practice huddle. It was impossible to know what was said, but it must have had something to do with the coach’s fitness, because he went to the baseline and ran–well, jogged–the length of the court and back, with Diggins clapping him along.
“Thank you, thank you for that,” said the seven-time All-Star as Marsh cleared the court.
It was a lighthearted moment for a team that feels a reason to smile after a fraught previous 13 months.
The Angel Reese trade is still fresh in the minds of many fans, even those who were happily surprised or even excited after the Sky signed Diggins and swung a host of other players in trade or free agency. Those fans might even call themselves hopeful (gasp!) after that April 21 practice, which Marsh called “the best day so far.”
“It’s a lot of new pieces, trying to fit the pieces to the puzzle together, but I think the chemistry’s coming along,” he said.
Third-year guard Jacy Sheldon was all smiles as well on Tuesday. She said she’s excited about playing both wing and some lead guard within Marsh’s offense. Sheldon also partnered up with 2026 first-round pick Gabriela Jaquez in shooting drills, and had high praise for the rookie.
“She’s a two-way guard as well, and brings in both ends of the floor,” said Sheldon. “One day, I grabbed her and said, ‘Let’s go shoot,’ and I think it’s sticking. I think we’re both people who like to be in the gym and like to get better, so I'm really happy to be playing with her now.”
Positive vibes are great, but only stacking wins will truly tell if the Sky’s new group has found a good mix. The team has a final day of training camp before they head to South Dakota for their first preseason matchup with the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, April 25.
Expectations Heighten For New-Look Chicago Sky
Head Coach Marsh Focuses On Slow Build
By Christopher Pennant
Sports Reporter'
ON AIR Daily News
How do you build a winning WNBA team?
That’s the question that has confounded the Chicago Sky for their entire existence. Now, they seem on their way to finding an answer.
Two years after hitching their wagon to forward Angel Reese and then cutting ties weeks before the 2026 season, Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca has unexpectedly given head coach Tyler Marsh almost everything he could want–and given the fans a reason to care.Marsh has guard Skylar Diggins and forward Rickea Jackson for scoring, guard DiJonai Carrington for defense (once she’s healthy), forward Azura Stevens and guard Courtney Vandersloot for the feels and guard Jacy Sheldon to fill in the gaps. So how has the second-year coach approached a training camp that suddenly has high expectations?
“These first two or three days are all about laying the foundation, offensively and defensively, then we’ll work on more installing what we want to install,” said Marsh after practice on Tuesday, April 20. On that surface, that’s boilerplate coach talk, but it was evident during practice that Marsh feels ready to run the “pace-and-space” system he was unable to implement when Reese was the offensive focal point.
During the most successful period in team history, the Sky developed their draft picks while bringing in free agents and players via trade, leading to a title in 2021. Now, Pagliocca is going back to that formula, drafting do-it-all UCLA forward Gabriela Jaquez while sticking with 2025 draftees Maddy Westbeld and Hailey Van Lith. In particular, he praised Van Lith’s work ethic after a difficult rookie year.
“We gotta allow them the grace to grow,” said Marsh. “There’s urgency there, but it’s not hesitancy on our part.”
Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh speaks with reporters following practice at UIC’s Flames Athletic Center on April 20, 2026. (Photo credit: John Alexander/ON AIR Daily News)
Much like Van Lith’s career, the Sky are still in the nascent stages of their new path forward. The practice space in Bedford Park is still not built. The front office still faces questions about their savvy. Fans are still sour on Angel’s departure. But Marsh felt confident enough on Monday to say there is no one way to create a winning team in the WNBA.
“There’s no one way to enjoy success, there’s no one way to build a team,” he said. “This is a tough league so you gotta do it in whatever way you see fit.”
Courtney Vandersloot Excited for New Challenge
Rebuilding and Setting Championship Standards For Chicago
Rebuilding and Setting Championship Standards For Chicago
By Joshua M Hicks
Sports Editor
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky started the 2026 season’s training camp on Sunday with a completely revamped roster from last season. But fan favorite guard Courtney Vandersloot returns for her 15th season (13th with the Sky) and expressed excitement to return to the Windy City.
One major reason contributing to her return was the opportunity to help the Sky rebuild toward championship status.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to come back here is to rebuild this franchise because I know there's something special here and I just had to get people on board,”Vandersloot said. “Their respect level is there for me.”
Rebuilding and Setting Championship Standards For Chicago
Guard Courtney Vandersloot is a Chicago favorite. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
Another reason is the chance to play with new Sky teammate and All-Star guard Skylar Diggins, whom the Sky signed at the start of training camp. She also gets to be reunited with forward Azura Stevens, whom she won the 2021 championship with and gave high praise to the franchise for bringing her back to the team.
“[Diggins] and I have been competing against each other for a really long time, and we have discussed over the years how to play together. And now we're making it happen,” Vandersloot said. “But I think it's a really exciting thought to bring [Stevens] back. She was such a great part of that championship team, I think that that's a huge thing for us. Having everybody come back and be willing to kind of take a chance on us, it means a lot.”
Being drafted by the Sky in 2011 and contributing to the franchise’s lone championship in 2021, Vandersloot understands the importance of not just discussing championships, but creating culture that supports championship DNA.
WNBA's Courtney Vandersloot returns for her 13th season with the Chicago Sky. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
She highlighted the process of how they built the culture over the years that led to winning the championship. The future Hall of Famer is setting her sights on moving forward by taking on the challenge of creating a different culture compared to last season.
According to Vandersloot, that is one of the main components necessary to return to being championship contenders.
“[The team] talked about championships and everything, but it is more about the culture,” Vandersloot said. “It's not just about getting the best players. It's about getting the right people and the people that want to be in all of those things. That doesn't happen overnight, and that doesn't mean that we're going to bring all these players in here. It's gonna be great. There's a lot of work to do on and off the court.”
Billy Donovan Steps Down as Bulls Head Coach
Creates Fresh Start in Front Office Search
Creates Fresh Start in Front Office Search
By Joshua M Hicks
Sports Editor
The Chicago Bulls will have a new head coach next season. Former head coach Billy Donovan officially announced on Tuesday that he will not return to the Chicago Bulls,
giving the team an opportunity for a complete reset.
The decision follows front office changes that led to the firings of vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley last week.
CEO Michael Reinsdorf made it known publicly that he wanted Donovan back as the
Creates Fresh Start in Front Office Search
head coach, and emphasized that the next phase of leadership in the front office will have to be able to work with Donovan as the team’s head coach.
But after several meetings with the Reinsdorfs, Donovan made the decision to step away from the team, coming to the realization that it was the best option for the franchise to let the search process unfold.
“I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit,” Donovan said in his final statement as the Bulls head coach.
Donovan coached six years with the Bulls, only making the playoffs once (2021-2022), and finishing with an overall record of 226-256 that included a 31-51 record this past season.
Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News.
Chicago Sky Makes Big Move To Restart Rebuild Process
WNBA All-Star Angel Reese Traded to the Atlanta Dream
By Justin Evans
Sports Reporter
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Sky have traded two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick, the team announced Monday. Atlanta will also receive 2028 second-round swap rights.
Angel Reese, Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
Reese, 23, has quickly established herself as one of the league’s most dominant players. She led the WNBA in rebounding last season with 12.6 boards per game, marking the second consecutive year she averaged at least 12 rebounds — a feat no player in league history has accomplished. She also paced Chicago in scoring (14.7 points per game), assists (3.7), and recorded a league-high 23 double-doubles.
Angel Reese, Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
"I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game and competing at the highest level.”
League sources say Reese did not formally request a trade, and there was no significant conflict between her and the organization. However, Chicago is expected to reshape its roster after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Angel Reese, Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
Angel Reese, Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News
A
The Bulls Pull Much Needed Change, New VP and GM
Creating Room For New Front Office
By Joshua M Hicks
Sports Editor
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that they relieved Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversely of their duties, ending the AKME era.
CEO Michael Reinsdorf expressed his frustration in a statement to the fan base, empathizing with the roller coaster journey of the recent regime.
“I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right," he said.
"At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud.”
Under Karnisovas and Eversely, the Bulls went 224-254 over a six year period, making the playoffs only once in 2022.
Former VP Arturas Karnisovas. Photo by John L. Alexander, ON AIR Daily News