The WNBA offseason just got a little more interesting. Hailey Van Lith, the talented guard who was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, has been waived by the Chicago Sky ahead of the 2026 season. While it's always tough to see a promising player part ways with her draft team, the basketball world is buzzing with reports that several other squads are already lining up to bring her on board.

Van Lith's time in Chicago was a learning curve. She appeared in 29 games for the Sky, primarily coming off the bench, and posted solid numbers for a rookie: averaging 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Her quick first step and tenacious on-ball defense showed flashes of the star potential that made her a first-round pick just a year ago. However, the Sky's front office reportedly felt her style of play wasn't the perfect fit for their evolving system.

Don't expect Van Lith to be on the free agent market for long. With her college pedigree—including standout stints at Louisville and LSU—and her proven ability to create her own shot, she's a high-upside addition for any team needing backcourt depth. For fans keeping an eye on the league, this is a classic case of a young player getting a fresh start, and it could be the spark that ignites her pro career.

Whether she lands with a contender looking for a spark off the bench or a rebuilding team offering more minutes, one thing is clear: Hailey Van Lith's best basketball is still ahead of her. Stay tuned for updates on where this dynamic guard will suit up next.