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