24
Oct
4 min read
Chicago Sky WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know
From expansion to WNBA champions, Sky is unlimited
- First WNBA championship in 2021, defeating Phoenix Mercury 3-1 in Finals
- Four consecutive playoff appearances from 2013-2016, including 2014 WNBA Finals
- Franchise cornerstone Elena Delle Donne won league MVP in 2015
The Chicago Sky rose from expansion team struggles to become WNBA champions, leaving an indelible mark on women's basketball in the Windy City.
Overview
The Chicago Sky's journey from expansion franchise to WNBA champions exemplifies the growth of women's basketball. Founded in 2006, the Sky initially struggled to find their footing in the league.
However, shrewd draft picks and savvy roster moves eventually transformed the team into perennial playoff contenders and ultimately champions.
Australians who have played for the Chicago Sky
Alanna Smith: Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Smith signed with the Chicago Sky in February 2023. Known for her versatility as a forward/center, she has been a significant contributor to the team's success. Smith also represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her international experience.
Anneli Maley: Hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, Maley signed a hardship contract with the Chicago Sky in May 2022. As a forward, she provided depth to the team's roster during her tenure. Maley has also been a prominent player in Australia's Women's National Basketball League (WNBL).
Team History
The Sky's early years were marked by growing pains typical of expansion teams. From 2006-2012, Chicago failed to make the playoffs, often finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The turning point came in 2013 when the team drafted Elena Delle Donne with the second overall pick.
Delle Donne's arrival catalysed the franchise's first playoff appearance that same year. From 2013-2016, the Sky made four consecutive playoff runs, including a trip to the 2014 WNBA Finals where they fell to the Phoenix Mercury.
This period established the Sky as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Key players like Sylvia Fowles, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley formed the core of these successful teams.
After missing the playoffs in 2017 and 2018, the Sky returned to form in 2019 under new head coach James Wade. The acquisition of hometown hero Candace Parker in 2021 proved to be the final piece of the championship puzzle. Led by Parker, Finals MVP Kahleah Copper, and the backcourt duo of Vandersloot and Quigley, the Sky captured their first WNBA title in 2021.
The Chicago Sky's rise from expansion team to champions showcases the potential for growth and success in the WNBA. Their ability to build through the draft, develop talent, and make strategic free agent signings demonstrates a winning formula for WNBA franchises. The Sky's 2021 championship run, going from the 6th seed to the title, stands as one of the most impressive playoff performances in league history.
Moreover, the Sky's success has significantly boosted women's basketball's profile in Chicago, one of the largest media markets in the United States. Their championship parade in 2021 drew thousands of fans, highlighting the growing popularity of the WNBA and women's sports in general.
Angel Reese’s arrival with the Chicago Sky in 2024 has injected a fresh burst of talent and excitement into the team. The former LSU star, known for her rebounding prowess, quickly established herself as a dominant force in her rookie season, setting records for offensive rebounds and notching multiple 20-rebound games, a rare feat only achieved by a handful of WNBA players. Her impact is seen not just in the numbers; she brings an intense playing style and a strong presence in the paint, which has made her an essential asset for the Sky as they aim to secure a stronger position in the league.
Off the court, Reese’s influence is also significant, with her signing a groundbreaking partnership with Reebok, where she is set to launch her own signature shoe. This deal underscores her growing brand appeal and highlights her influence as a new face of the WNBA. Reese's combination of athletic excellence and marketability has made her a cornerstone for the Sky's future and a role model for aspiring athletes, especially as the team navigates its rebuilding phase.
Five Fast Facts
- The Sky were founded in 2006 as an expansion team
- They made their first playoff appearance in 2013
- Elena Delle Donne won the WNBA MVP award as a member of the Sky in 2015
- Courtney Vandersloot has led the WNBA in assists per game for five consecutive seasons (2017-2021)
- The Sky won their first WNBA championship in 2021, defeating the Phoenix Mercury
Career Highlights Timeline
2006: Chicago Sky founded as WNBA expansion team
2013: First playoff appearance in franchise history
2014: Reach WNBA Finals for the first time, falling to Phoenix Mercury
2015: Elena Delle Donne wins WNBA MVP award
2019: James Wade named WNBA Coach of the Year
2021: Win first WNBA championship, defeating Phoenix Mercury 3-1 in Finals
2024: Finished the 2024 WNBA season with a record of 13-27
The Chicago Sky's ascent to WNBA champions represents a compelling narrative of perseverance and strategic team-building. From their humble beginnings as an expansion franchise to the pinnacle of the sport, the Sky have established themselves as one of the premier organisations in women's basketball.
Their success has not only elevated the franchise but has also significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of the WNBA as a whole.
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