The Chicago Sky just signed one of the WNBA’s best free agents

TL;DR

The Chicago Sky have signed Natasha Cloud, a top free agent and former New York Liberty player, to a one-year, $555,000 contract. This move comes after the team waived second-year player Hailey Van Lith.

Key points

Chicago Sky signed Natasha Cloud
Cloud's contract is one year for $555,000
Hailey Van Lith was waived earlier the same day
Cloud has a strong track record as a starting point guard
Sky's season opener is on May 9th against Portland Fire

Chicago SkyNew York LibertyWashington MysticsPhoenix Mercury

PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 19: Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on September 19, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The Chicago Sky have signed Natasha Cloud, the team announced on Monday. Cloud was the best player available in free agency, and many were surprised she remained unsigned through the preseason, given her strong track record as a starting point guard in the WNBA. “Natasha is one of the best passers and defenders in our league,” Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca said Monday in a statement. “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.” Cloud was drafted in 2025 and spent the first 8 years of her career on the Washington Mystics. In 2024, she was on the Phoenix Mercury before joining the New York Liberty last year. She’s started 283 of 327 career games, averaging 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1 steal. Last season, she averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals in 41 games for the New York Liberty last season. ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou reported that Cloud’s contract is a one-year, $555,000 deal. The signing helps explain, in part, why second-year was waived earlier in the day. Van Lith, who was the Sky’s 2025 first-round pick, had a strong preseason but was nonetheless cut on Monday morning. ESPN’s Kendra Andrews also reported that the decision to cut Van Lith was based on the coaching staff’s “style-of-play preference.” Cloud now joins a new-look Chicago Sky roster that includes , , , , and , as well as returners like , , and . The team failed to make the playoffs last season, but was almost entirely overhauled in the offseason. They went 0-2 in the preseason, with losses against the and Phoenix Mercury. The Sky’s season opener is on Saturday, May 9th, against the .

Q&A

What is Natasha Cloud's contract with the Chicago Sky?

Natasha Cloud signed a one-year contract worth $555,000 with the Chicago Sky.

Why was Hailey Van Lith waived by the Chicago Sky?

Hailey Van Lith was waived due to the coaching staff's style-of-play preference, despite having a strong preseason.

What are Natasha Cloud's career statistics in the WNBA?

Natasha Cloud has started 283 of 327 career games, averaging 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1 steal per game.

The Chicago Sky just signed one of the WNBA’s best free agents

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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