Hailey Van Lith joins Connecticut Sun, signs WNBA developmental contract

TL;DR

Hailey Van Lith has joined the Connecticut Sun after being waived by the Chicago Sky. She signed a WNBA developmental contract, allowing her to participate in practices and potentially play in up to 12 games.

Key points

Hailey Van Lith joins the Connecticut Sun after being waived by the Chicago Sky.
She was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Van Lith averaged 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in her rookie season.
She scored 20 points against the Phoenix Mercury in a preseason game.
Van Lith signed a developmental contract allowing her to participate in practices and up to 12 games.

Hailey Van LithConnecticut SunChicago SkyPhoenix Mercury

Hailey Van Lith has a new home in the WNBA.

Just two days after being waived by the Chicago Sky, Van Lith moves on to another franchise. On Wednesday, the Connecticut Sun were awarded Van Lith after putting in a waiver claim.

The 5-foot-9 guard joins Connecticut after spending her rookie season with the Chicago Sky. Van Lith, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, appeared in 29 games for Chicago, averaging 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. During the Sky's preseason slate this year, Van Lith averaged 12.5 points on 71.4% shooting and had 4.5 assists across two games. On April 25, she scored 20 points against the Phoenix Mercury, going 8-of-8 from the floor.

Van Lith was one of two players signed to a developmental contract on Wednesday. Connecticut also signed former Golden State Valkyries guard Ashlon Jackson to a developmental contract. Jackson was drafted with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

As a developmental player, Van Lith can participate in practices with the Sun and any training activities. She may also be activated for up to 12 games.

2026: Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings (Connecticut)

2025: Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (Connecticut)

Q&A

Why was Hailey Van Lith waived by the Chicago Sky?

Hailey Van Lith was waived by the Chicago Sky just two days before joining the Connecticut Sun, but specific reasons for her release were not detailed.

What are the terms of Hailey Van Lith's developmental contract with the Connecticut Sun?

Hailey Van Lith's developmental contract allows her to participate in practices and training activities with the Sun and to be activated for up to 12 games.

How did Hailey Van Lith perform during her rookie season with the Chicago Sky?

During her rookie season, Van Lith played in 29 games, averaging 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

What were Hailey Van Lith's preseason stats with the Chicago Sky?

In the preseason, Van Lith averaged 12.5 points on 71.4% shooting and 4.5 assists across two games.