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Wikipedia

Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago. The Sky compete in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a member club of the league's Eastern Conference. The franchise was founded prior to the 2006 season. The Sky experienced a period of success from 2013 to 2016, making four playoff appearances and playing in the 2014 WNBA Finals. They experienced a second period of success from 2019 to 2022 and won their first championship in the 2021 WNBA Finals.

Chicago Sky
2024 Chicago Sky season
Chicago Sky logo
ConferenceEastern
LeaguesWNBA
Founded2005[1]
HistoryChicago Sky
2006–present
ArenaWintrust Arena[2][3]
LocationChicago, Illinois
Team colorsSky blue, radiant yellow, black, white[4][5][6]
       
General managerJeff Pagliocca
Head coachTyler Marsh
Assistant(s)Crystal Robinson
Tamera Young
Sydney Johnson
OwnershipMichael J. Alter
Margaret Stender
Michelle Williams
Mathew Knowles[7]
Championships1 (2021)
Conference titles1 (2014)[note 1]
Websitesky.wnba.com
Heroine jersey
Team colours
Heroine
Explorer jersey
Team colours
Explorer
Rebel jersey
Team colours
Rebel

The team is owned by Michael J. Alter (principal owner) and Margaret Stender (minority owner). Unlike many other WNBA teams, it is not affiliated with a National Basketball Association (NBA) counterpart, although the Chicago Bulls play in the same market.

History

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Franchise origin

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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.[citation needed]

In November 2005, the team held an expansion draft to help build its 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.[8]

Early years and limited success (2006–2012)

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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.[9] University of Missouri-Kansas City women's head basketball coach Bo Overton was named the Sky's new head coach and general manager on December 12, 2006.[10] The Sky once again recorded a league-worst 5–29 record in 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. Assistant coach Steven Key was named head coach/general manager.

 
Sylvia Fowles

With the second overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, the Sky selected Sylvia Fowles. In the 2008 season, the Sky would once again fail to make the playoffs, posting a 12–22 record, finishing 5th in the East. Fowles was injured for most of the season (she was, however, selected to play on the winning U.S. team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where she average 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game). In the 2009 WNBA draft, the Sky selected point guard Kristi Toliver with the third overall pick. Toliver had recently won the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship with the University of Maryland, where she had shot a game-tying three-point basket to send the game into overtime. 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.

 
2011 home uniform, manufactured by Adidas

Entering the 2010 season, the Sky moved to Allstate Arena in the suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. The team's roster underwent several changes, highlighted by the trading away of Candice Dupree and Kristi Toliver 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.[11]

In 2011, the Sky were led again by Fowles, who averaged a double-double (20 points and 10.2 rebounds per game). The Sky once again finished the season at 14-20 but were encouraged by going 10-7 at home.[12] The Sky selected Shey Peddy with the 23rd pick and Sydney Carter with the 27th pick in the 2012 WNBA draft. Peddy and Carter were both eventually waived on May 14, 2012.[13] The Sky began the 2012 season 7-1, but finished 14–20 for the third consecutive season.[14] The Sky remained the only WNBA franchise to never make the playoffs.

Playoff runs (2013–2016)

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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 and led the league in rebounds, and teammate Swin Cash received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Chatman finished a close second for Coach of the Year, Delle Donne narrowly missed the MVP 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.

 
Courtney Vandersloot

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 Epiphanny Prince. At the end of the 2015 season, they posted a 23-11 record and earned second place in the Eastern Conference. Delle Donne was named the league's Most Valuable Player, point guard Courtney 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, but lost 3-1 in the semifinals to the Los Angeles Sparks.

Rebuilding (2017–2018)

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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 in the 2017 WNBA draft.[15] In the 2017 season, the Sky posted a 12–22 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. In the ensuing 2018 WNBA draft, they selected Diamond DeShields and Gabby Williams in the first round. In the 2018 season, they 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.[16] During these seasons, Courtney Vandersloot led the league in assists (setting a new assists-per-game record in 2017) and Allie Quigley won back-to-back Three-Point Contests at the All-Star Game.

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

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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 Alaina 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 WNBA Coach of the Year Award for the regular season, and Courtney Vandersloot exceeded her own assists-per-game record for the second straight season. Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, and Diamond 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 WNBA MVP and WNBA 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.[17] 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.[18] 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 Stefanie 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)

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The 2023 season marked a period of significant change for the Sky, with many longtime players departing in free agency, including Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Azurá Stevens, and Candace Parker. Centered on Kahleah 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.

Name, logo, and uniforms

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Uniforms

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  • 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.[19][2]

Mascot

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Skye the Lioness is the mascot of the Sky. The team introduced Skye the Lioness on August 26, 2024.[20]

The Skye character was created under the direction of Chicago Sky CMO Tania Haladner and designed by the mascot designer Tom Sapp and the team at Real Characters Inc,[21] who have created other mascots for teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, the University of Florida, and the Denver Nuggets.[22]

Skye's debut game is August 28, 2024, at the Wintrust arena.[21] The Chicago Sky's Legacy mascot The Sky Guy will remain through the 2024 season in support of Skye's debut.[citation needed]

Season-by-season records

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Table key
AMVP All-Star Game Most Valuable Player
APP Assists Peak Performer
COY Coach of the Year
DPOY Defensive Player of the Year
FMVP Finals Most Valuable Player
MIP Most Improved Player
MVP Most Valuable Player
ROY Rookie of the Year
RPP Rebounding Peak Performer
SIX Sixth Woman of the Year
SPOR Sportsmanship Award
SPP Scoring Peak Performer
WNBA champions Conference champions Playoff berth
Season Team Conference standing (2006-16)

League standing (2016-present)

Regular season Playoff Results Awards Head coach
W L PCT
Chicago Sky
2006 2006 East 7th 5 29 .147 Dave Cowens
2007 2007 East 6th 14 20 .412 Bo Overton
2008 2008 East 5th 12 22 .353 Steven Key
2009 2009 East 5th 16 18 .471
2010 2010 East 6th 14 20 .412
2011 2011 East 5th 14 20 .412 Sylvia Fowles (DPOY) Pokey Chatman
2012 2012 East 5th 14 20 .412
2013 2013 East 1st 24 10 .706 Lost Conference Semifinals (Indiana, 0–2) Elena Delle Donne (ROY)
Sylvia Fowles (DPOY, RPP)
Swin Cash (SPOR)
2014 2014 East 4th 15 19 .441 Won Conference Semifinals (Atlanta, 2–1)
Won Conference Finals (Indiana, 2–1)
Lost WNBA Finals (Phoenix, 0–3) 		Allie Quigley (SIX)
2015 2015 East 2nd 21 13 .618 Lost Conference Semifinals (Indiana, 1–2) Elena Delle Donne (MVP, SPP)
Allie Quigley (SIX)
Courtney Vandersloot (APP)
2016 2016 WNBA[note 2] 4th 18 16 .529 Won Second Round (Atlanta, 1–0)
Lost WNBA Semifinals (Los Angeles, 1–3)
2017 2017 WNBA 9th 12 22 .353 Courtney Vandersloot (APP) Amber Stocks
2018 2018 WNBA 10th 13 21 .382 Courtney Vandersloot (APP)
2019 2019 WNBA 5th 20 14 .588 Won First Round (Phoenix, 1–0)
Lost Second Round (Las Vegas, 0–1) 		James Wade (COY)
Courtney Vandersloot (APP) 		James Wade
2020 2020 WNBA 6th 12 10 .545 Lost First Round (Connecticut, 0–1) Courtney Vandersloot (APP)
2021 2021 WNBA 6th 16 16 .500 Won First Round (Dallas, 1–0)
Won Second Round (Minnesota, 1–0)
Won Semifinals (Connecticut, 3–1)
Won WNBA Finals (Phoenix, 3–1) 		Courtney Vandersloot (APP)
Kahleah Copper (Finals MVP)
2022 2022 WNBA 2nd 26 10 .722 Won First Round (New York, 2–1)
Lost Semifinals (Connecticut, 2–3) 		James Wade (EOY)
2023 2023 WNBA 8th 18 22 .450 Lost First Round (Las Vegas, 0–2) James Wade(7–9)
Emre Vatansever(11–13)
2024 2024 WNBA 9th 13 27 .325 Teresa Weatherspoon
Regular season 296 346 .461 1 Conference Championships
Playoffs 20 22 .476 1 WNBA Championships

Players

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Current roster

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Chicago Sky roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHeightWeightDOBFromYrs
G15 Allen, Lindsay5' 8" (1.73m)145 lb (66kg)1995-03-20Notre Dame6
G24 Banham, Rachel5' 9" (1.75m)175 lb (79kg)1993-07-15Minnesota8
C10 Cardoso, Kamilla  6' 7" (2.01m)215 lb (98kg)2001-04-30South CarolinaR
G7 Carter, Chennedy  5' 9" (1.75m)143 lb (65kg)1998-10-14Texas A&M3
G33 Davis, Kaela6' 2" (1.88m)180 lb (82kg)1995-03-15South Carolina5
G0 DeShields, Diamond  6' 1" (1.85m)172 lb (78kg)1995-03-05Tennessee5
G11 Evans, Dana5' 6" (1.68m)145 lb (66kg)1998-08-01Louisville3
F20 Harrison, Isabelle6' 3" (1.91m)183 lb (83kg)1993-09-27Tennessee6
G4 Jefferson, Moriah5' 6" (1.68m)123 lb (56kg)1994-03-08Connecticut7
F12 Onyenwere, Michaela6' 0" (1.83m)178 lb (81kg)1999-08-10UCLA3
F5 Reese, Angel  6' 3" (1.91m)165 lb (75kg)2002-05-06LSUR
F21 Turner, Brianna6' 3" (1.91m)170 lb (77kg)1996-07-05Notre Dame5
C1 Williams, Elizabeth  6' 3" (1.91m)200 lb (91kg)1993-06-23Duke9
Head coach
  Tyler Marsh (Birmingham–Southern)
Assistant coaches
  Crystal Robinson (SE Oklahoma State)
  Sydney Johnson (Princeton)
  Tamera Young (James Madison)
Athletic trainer
  Meghan Lockerby
Strength and conditioning coach
  Ann Crosby
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  •   Injured
  WNBA roster page
East
ATL
CHI
CON
IND
NY
WAS
West
DAL
LV
LA
MIN
PHO
SEA

Former players

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Coaches and staff

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Owners

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Head coaches

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Chicago Sky head coaches
Name Start End Seasons Regular season Playoffs
W L PCT G W L PCT G
Dave Cowens May 25, 2005 September 12, 2006 1 5 29 .147 34 0 0 .000 0
Bo Overton December 12, 2006 March 12, 2008 1 14 20 .412 34 0 0 .000 0
Steven Key March 12, 2008 September 10, 2010 3 42 60 .412 102 0 0 .000 0
Pokey Chatman October 29, 2010 October 28, 2016 6 106 98 .520 204 7 12 .368 19
Amber Stocks December 8, 2016 August 31, 2018 2 25 43 .368 68 0 0 .000 0
James Wade November 8, 2018 July 1, 2023 5 81 59 .579 139 13 8 .619 21
Emre Vatansever July 1, 2023 September 21, 2023 1 11 13 .458 24 0 2 .000 2
Teresa Weatherspoon October 12, 2023 September 26, 2024 1 13 27 .325 40 0 0 .000 0
Tyler Marsh November 3, 2024 Present 1 0 0 .000 0 0 0 .000 0

General managers

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Assistant coaches

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Statistics

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Chicago Sky statistics
2000s
Season Individual Team vs Opponents
PPG RPG APG PPG RPG FG%
2006 C. Dupree (13.7) B. Ngoyisa (5.7) J. Perkins (3.2) 68.3 vs 79.0 30.5 vs 36.4 .394 vs .452
2007 C. Dupree (16.7) C. Dupree (7.7) D. Canty (4.1) 74.3 vs 76.8 34.3 vs 36.0 .406 vs .429
2008 J. Perkins (17.0) C. Dupree (7.9) D. Canty (4.1) 72.7 vs 73.8 33.1 vs 34.1 .428 vs .416
2009 C. Dupree (16.7) C. Dupree (7.9) D. Canty (3.2) 75.7 vs 79.2 31.9 vs 34.0 .435 vs .442
2010s
Season Individual Team vs Opponents
PPG RPG APG PPG RPG FG%
2010 S. Fowles (17.8) S. Fowles (9.9) D. Canty (3.4) 76.1 vs 76.8 31.7 vs 33.4 .437 vs .444
2011 S. Fowles (20.0) S. Fowles (10.2) C. Vandersloot (3.7) 74.2 vs 75.2 33.8 vs 32.6 .438 vs .418
2012 E. Prince (18.1) S. Fowles (10.4) C. Vandersloot (4.6) 75.2 vs 75.5 34.9 vs 30.1 .431 vs .429
2013 E. Delle Donne (18.1) S. Fowles (11.5) C. Vandersloot (5.6) 79.4 vs 73.6 37.1 vs 33.2 .420 vs .404
2014 E. Delle Donne (17.9) S. Fowles (10.2) C. Vandersloot (5.6) 76.2 vs 78.2 34.1 vs 35.6 .434 vs .420
2015 E. Delle Donne (23.4) E. Delle Donne (8.4) C. Vandersloot (5.8) 82.9 vs 78.8 36.6 vs 33.6 .446 vs .425
2016 E. Delle Donne (21.5) E. Delle Donne (7.0) C. Vandersloot (4.7) 86.2 vs 85.6 35.6 vs 32.9 .462 vs .436
2017 A. Quigley (16.4) J. Breland (6.3) C. Vandersloot (8.1) 82.1 vs 87.2 33.8 vs 36.5 .461 vs .435
2018 A. Quigley (15.4) Ch. Parker (5.8) C. Vandersloot (8.6) 83.8 vs 90.1 33.1 vs 36.5 .453 vs .462
2019 D. DeShields (16.2) J. Lavender (6.9) C. Vandersloot (9.1) 84.6 vs 83.3 36.4 vs 35.4 .448 vs .418
2020s
Season Individual Team vs Opponents
PPG RPG APG PPG RPG FG%
2020 A. Quigley (15.4) Ch. Parker (6.4) C. Vandersloot (10.0) 86.7 vs 84.1 33.6 vs 32.2 .491 vs .453
2021 K. Copper (14.4) Ca. Parker (8.4) C. Vandersloot (8.6) 83.3 vs 81.9 35.0 vs 35.9 .441 vs .433
2022 K. Copper (15.7) Ca. Parker (8.6) C. Vandersloot (6.5) 86.3 vs 81.3 34.8 vs 33.2 .481 vs .438
2023 K. Copper (18.7) A. Smith (6.6) C. Williams (6.3) 81.7 vs 83.4 33.6 vs 34.9 .442 vs .451
2024 C. Carter (17.5) A. Reese (13.1) M. Mabrey (4.5) 77.4 vs 82.5 36.6 vs 33.8 .422 vs .446

Media coverage

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Currently, Sky games are broadcast by Marquee Sports Network. Locally in Chicago select games also air on WMEU-CD and WCIU-TV and in South Bend on WMYS-LD.[23] Local broadcasters for the Sky games are Lisa Byington and Stephen Bardo. Select games are broadcast nationally on ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, Ion or NBA TV.[24]

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. Their Home game only were carried on line during the 2008 season, but no Radio type play by play has been on since.

All-time notes

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Regular season attendance

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  • 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.
Regular season all-time attendance
Year Average High Low Sellouts Total for year WNBA game average
2006 3,390 (14th) 5,219 2,570 0 57,635 7,476
2007 3,915 (14th) 6,972 2,505 1 66,557 7,742
2008 3,656 (13th) 6,304 2,276 0 62,146 7,948
2009 3,933 (13th) 5,881 2,396 0 66,855 8,039
2010 4,293 (12th) 6,950 2,408 0 72,986 7,834
2011 5,536 (11th) 13,838 2,876 0 94,116 7,954
2012 5,573 (10th) 13,161 2,884 0 94,746 7,452
2013 6,601 (9th) 14,201 4,135 0 112,212 7,531
2014 6,685 (9th) 16,402 3,958 0 113,640 7,578
2015 6,960 (7th) 16,304 4,141 0 118,322 7,184
2016 7,009 (7th) 16,444 5,034 0 119,147 7,665
2017 6,853 (9th) 14,102 4,498 0 116,501 7,716
2018 6,358 (6th) 10,024 4,131 0 108,091 6,721
2019 6,749 (6th) 10,143 4,212 0 114,727 6,535
2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was played in Bradenton, Florida without fans.[25][26]
2021 3,187 (2nd) 8,331 1,004 0 47,805 2,636
2022 7,180 (4th) 9,314 4,935 0 129,241 5,679
2023 7,242 (6th) 9,025 4,316 0 144,834 6,615
2024 8,757 (8th) 9,872 7,807 11 175,148 9,807

Draft picks

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  • 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)
  • 2017: Alaina Coates (2), Tori Jankoska (9), Chantel Osahor (21), Makayla Epps (33)
  • 2018: Diamond DeShields (3), Gabby Williams (4), Amarah Coleman (28)
  • 2019: Katie Lou Samuelson (4), Chloe Jackson (15), María Conde (27)
  • 2020: Ruthy Hebard (8), Japreece Dean (30), Kiah Gillespie (32)
  • 2021: Shyla Heal (8), Natasha Mack (16)
  • 2022: No Draft Picks
  • 2023: Kayana Traylor (23), Kseniya Malashka (35)
  • 2024: Kamilla Cardoso (3), Angel Reese (7), Brynna Maxwell (13)

Trades

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  • 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.
  • February 16, 2015: The Sky traded Epiphanny Prince to the New York Liberty in exchange for Cappie Pondexter.
  • July 27, 2015: The Sky traded Sylvia Fowles and a second-round pick in the 2016 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Erika de Souza from Atlanta. Atlanta also received Damaris Dantas, Reshanda Gray, and a first-round pick in the 2016 Draft from Minnesota.
  • February 2, 2017: The Sky traded Elena Delle Donne to the Washington Mystics in exchange for Kahleah Copper, Stefanie Dolson, and the #2 overall pick in the 2017 Draft.
  • February 27, 2017: The Sky traded Clarissa Dos Santos to the San Antonio Stars in exchange for Astou Ndour.
  • May 20, 2019: The Sky traded their second round pick in the 2020 Draft to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Jantel Lavender.
  • May 21, 2019: The Sky traded Alaina Coates to Minnesota in exchange for Minnesota's third round pick in the 2020 Draft.
  • February 12, 2020: The Sky traded Astou Ndour to Dallas in exchange for Dallas' first round pick in the 2021 Draft.
  • February 12, 2020: The Sky traded Kaite Lou Samuelson and a first round pick in the 2021 Draft in exchange for Azurá Stevens.
  • February 9, 2021: The Sky traded their second round pick in the 2022 Draft for the 16th pick in the 2021 Draft (from Dallas).
  • May 9, 2021: The Sky traded Gabby Williams to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for Stephanie Watts and the rights to Leonie Fiebich.
  • June 2, 2021: The Sky traded, Shyla Heal, their third round pick in the 2022 Draft, and the option to swap pick positions in the first round of the 2022 Draft to the Dallas Wings in exchange for Dana Evans.
  • February 3, 2022: The Sky traded Diamond DeShields to Phoenix in exchange for Julie Allemand and the Phoenix Mercury's 2023 first round pick.
  • March 20, 2022: The Sky traded Lexie Brown to Los Angeles in exchange for Li Yueru.
  • February 11, 2023: The Sky traded the rights to Leonie Fiebich, their 1st round pick in the 2023 Draft, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in the 2024 Draft, and 2nd round pick in the 2025 Draft to acquire Marina Mabrey in a four team trade.
  • February 6, 2024: The Sky traded Kahleah Copper, the rights to Morgan Bertsch, to acquire Brianna Turner, Michaela Onyenwere, the third pick in the 2024 Draft, their own 2025 second round draft pick, Phoenix's 2026 first round draft pick, and the right to swap 2026 second round picks with Phoenix.
  • February 19, 2024: The Sky traded Julie Allemand and the rights to Li Yueru in exchange for the 8th pick in the 2024 Draft.
  • March 14, 2024: The Sky traded Rebekah Gardner in exchange for New York's 2025 and 2026 second round draft picks.
  • April 14, 2024: The Sky traded Skia Koné, the 8th pick in the 2024 Draft, their 2025 second round draft pick, and the right to swap first round picks in the 2026 Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for the 7th pick in the 2024 Draft and the rights to Nikolina Milić.
  • July 17, 2024: The Sky traded Marina Mabrey and their second round pick in the 2025 Draft in exchange for Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, Connecticut's 2025 first round draft pick, and the right to swap 2026 first round draft picks with the Sun.

All-Stars

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  • 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

Olympians

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  • 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

Honors and awards

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  • 2006 All-Rookie Team: Candice Dupree
  • 2007 All-Rookie Team: Armintie Price
  • 2008 All-Defensive Second Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2008 All-Rookie Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2010 All-WNBA First Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2010 All-Defensive First Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2010 All-Rookie Team: Epiphanny Prince
  • 2010 Stars at the Sun Game MVP: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2011 All-WNBA Second Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2011 Defensive Player of the Year: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2011 All-Defensive First Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2011 All-Rookie Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2012 All-WNBA Second Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2012 All-Defensive First Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2013 Rookie of the Year: Elena Delle Donne
  • 2013 Defensive Player of the Year: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2013 All-Rookie Team: Elena Delle Donne
  • 2013 All-Defensive First Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2013 Peak Performer (Rebounding): Sylvia Fowles
  • 2014 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year: Allie Quigley
  • 2014 All-Defensive Second Team: Sylvia Fowles
  • 2015 WNBA MVP: Elena Delle Donne
  • 2015 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year: Allie Quigley
  • 2015 Peak Performer (Scoring): Elena Delle Donne
  • 2015 Peak Performer (Assists): Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2015 All-WNBA First Team: Elena Delle Donne
  • 2015 All-WNBA Second Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2016 All-Rookie Team: Imani Boyette
  • 2017 Peak Performer (Assists): Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2018 All-WNBA Second Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2018 All-Rookie Team: Diamond DeShields
  • 2018 Peak Performer (Assists): Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2019 Peak Performer (Assists): Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2019 Coach of the Year: James Wade
  • 2019 All-WNBA First Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2019 All-WNBA Second Team: Diamond DeShields
  • 2020 Peak Performer (Assists): Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2020 All-WNBA First Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2021 All-WNBA Second Team: Courtney Vandersloot
  • 2021 Finals MVP: Kahleah Copper
  • 2022 Basketball Executive of the Year: James Wade
  • 2022 All-WNBA First Team: Candace Parker
  • 2022 All-Rookie Team: Rebekah Gardner
  • 2023 All-Defensive Second Team: Elizabeth Williams
  • 2024 Peak Performer (Rebounds): Angel Reese
  • 2024 All-Rookie Team: Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese
 
Chicago Sky Game at Wintrust Arena

Arenas

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Notes

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  1. ^ In the 2016 season, the WNBA changed its playoff format such that teams were seeded for the playoffs regardless of conference.
  2. ^ In the 2016 season, the WNBA changed its playoff format such that teams were seeded for the playoffs regardless of conference.

References

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  1. ^ "Sky Timeline". Sky.WNBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Mayor Emanuel Joins Chicago Sky to Announce Team's Move to Wintrust Arena". Sky.WNBA.com (Press release). NBA Media Ventures, LLC. February 2, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  3. ^ Ecker, Danny (October 22, 2017). "Chicago Sky moving to new McCormick Place arena". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  4. ^ "Chicago Sky Unveil New Logo". Sky.WNBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  5. ^ "Sky Logistics" (PDF). 2017 Chicago Sky Media Guide. WNBA Enterprises, LLC. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  6. ^ "Chicago Sky Reproduction Guideline Sheet". WNBA Enterprises, LLC. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  7. ^ "Staff Directory". ChicagoSky.net. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  8. ^ "Chicago Sky announces Michelle Williams as minority owner". OurSports Central. 2006-02-20. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  9. ^ "Hall of Famer Cowens leaves Sky, joins Pistons staff". ESPN.com. 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  10. ^ "Bo Overton moves to Chicago Sky as coach". UPI. 2006-12-12. Archived from the original on 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  11. ^ "Sky hire controversial coach". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 2010-10-29. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  12. ^ "SKY: Sky History - 2011". Wnba.com. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  13. ^ "SKY: Chicago Sky Waive Shey Peddy and Sydney Carter in 2012". Wnba.com. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  14. ^ "SKY: Sky Schedule 2013". Wnba.com. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  15. ^ "Chicago trades Elena Delle Donne for No. 2 overall pick, 2 players". ESPN.com. February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  16. ^ "Chicago Sky Announce Change in Coaching Staff". OurSportsCentral.com. August 31, 2018.
  17. ^ Collier, Jamal (February 1, 2021). "Candace Parker officially signs with the Chicago Sky — making them an instant favorite for the WNBA title: 'Nobody has ever signed a free agent like this'". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2021-02-01. Retrieved 2021-03-20.
  18. ^ Kenney, Madeline (2021-10-19). "Chicago celebrates Sky's WNBA championship". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  19. ^ "Chicago Sky Unveil New Nike Uniform for 2018 Season". Sky.WNBA.com. NBA Media Ventures, LLC. April 26, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  20. ^ Staff, Crusader (2024-08-26). "Chicago Sky Introduce New Mascot, Skye the Lioness". Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  21. ^ a b Koval, Andy (August 26, 2024). "'Skye the Lioness' named new mascot of Chicago Sky". WGN9. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  22. ^ "MASCOT GALLERY | Tom Sapp Design - Real Characters, Inc". Mysite. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
  23. ^ "Chicago Sky Announce TV Schedule for 2021 Season". Chicago Sky. May 10, 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  24. ^ "WNBA Extends TV Rights Deal with ESPN and ABC". Sports Business. June 18, 2007. Archived from the original on 2009-11-10. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
  25. ^ "WNBA Announces Plan To Tip Off 2020 Season". WNBA. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  26. ^ "WNBA announces plans for 2020 season to start late July in Florida". NBC Sports Washington. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-06-15.

Sources

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chicago Sky.
Sporting positions
Preceded by WNBA Champions
2021 (first title) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by WNBA Eastern Conference Champions
2014 (First title) 		Succeeded by
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