The Chicago Sky have made a major splash just days before the season opener, signing veteran guard Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $555,000 contract. The deal, announced Monday and first reported by The Athletic's Annie Costabile, brings a proven winner and fierce competitor to the Windy City.

Cloud's arrival comes on the heels of a surprising roster move: the Sky waived second-year guard Hailey Van Lith, the No. 11 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Van Lith was cut just days before Friday's season opener against the Portland Fire, a decision that signals Chicago's urgency to add veteran leadership and playoff experience.

For Cloud, this signing ends an extended free agency that stretched well into the start of the WNBA preseason. The 5-foot-9 guard is known for her tenacious defense, playmaking ability, and clutch performances—qualities that should immediately bolster a Sky backcourt in need of a steady hand. Her $555,000 salary reflects both her value and Chicago's commitment to contending this season.

Fans can expect Cloud to bring intensity and championship pedigree to a team looking to make noise in a stacked Eastern Conference. With the regular season tipping off in just days, this move adds another layer of excitement to what promises to be a thrilling year for the Sky.