Hailey Van Lith has been cut by the Chicago Sky just one year after being drafted by the team with the No 11 overall pick.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, 24, endured an underwhelming rookie season in 2025 largely due to injuries and a lack of minutes on the court.
Despite playing her in both of their WNBA preseason games, the Sky has opted to waive Van Lith on the eve of the 2026 campaign, which begins this weekend.
Chicago announced Monday afternoon that the ex-LSU guard has been released, coming as a major blow for her a few days out from the new season.
Van Lith made 29 appearances off the bench last season, averaging 12.4 minutes per game and 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 33.9 percent from the floor.
The 5ft 9in rookie only shot 16.1 percent from 3-point range, nevertheless, while struggling to create the same type of openings she enjoyed in college.
Hailey Van Lith has been cut by the Chicago Sky just one year after being drafted No 11 overall
Over the course of her collegiate career, Van Lith spent three seasons with Louisville before moving to LSU in 2023.
After one season alongside future Sky teammate Angel Reese in Baton Rouge, she joined TSU in 2024 before being drafted a year later.
Van Lith was named Big 12 Player of the Year during her time in Texas, though her success at collegiate level is yet to translate over to the big leagues.
