Hailey Van Lith Secures New Opportunity After Recent Cuts

This month has been a challenging period for WNBA guard Hailey Van Lith. The 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft has faced setbacks, being released by two teams within a span of four weeks—first by the Chicago Sky, her original team, and then by the Connecticut Sun, who signed her shortly after her departure from Chicago.

However, Van Lith has quickly found another opportunity, as she is set to rejoin the Connecticut Sun on a developmental contract. “Breaking: 2025 No. 11 overall pick Hailey Van Lith will be re-joining the Connecticut Sun on a developmental contract, sources told me and @kendra__andrews,” announced ESPN's Alexa Philippou on X. Sources indicate that despite other offers, Van Lith believes that remaining with Connecticut aligns best with her growth and future aspirations.

During her rookie season with Chicago, Van Lith had limited playing time, averaging 3.5 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 rebounds across 29 games. Many speculated that her selection by the Sky was influenced by the presence of former star Angel Reese, who was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Dream.

In her previous stint with the Sun, Van Lith averaged 8.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in nine games, making her the third highest scorer on the team, trailing only Brittney Griner and 2025 first-round pick Aneesah Morrow. Should she continue to develop in Connecticut, she could establish herself as a valuable scoring option.

Having had a noteworthy collegiate career, Van Lith was anticipated to be a standout pick. At 24, she was recognized as a WBCA All-American, an AP third-team All-American, and the Big 12 Player of the Year, among other accolades during her time in college.