Sky open 2026 season against Portland Fire expansion franchise
Chicago Sky begin 2026 season against new Portland Fire expansion franchise.
Event / Sports
WNBA 2026 Season
Coverage of the 2026 WNBA season including draft, team developments, player performances, and awards.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 14 Apr, 09:38 UTC
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What happened
Hailey Van Lith scores 20 points on perfect shooting in preseason game
Hailey Van Lith scored 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting performance in the Chicago Sky's preseason opener against the Phoenix Mercury on April 25, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The performance came before she was waived by the team, demonstrating improved play from her rookie season.
Chicago Sky waive additional players as roster cuts approach
The Chicago Sky waived additional players including Latasha Lattimore and Tonie Morgan on Sunday, and previously waived Jordan Hobbs, Megan Nestor, and Sidney Cooks. These moves were part of roster adjustments required before the 2026 WNBA regular season. WNBA teams had until Thursday at 5 p.m. ET to make final roster cuts before the regular season began Friday.
Chicago Sky opens 2026 season against Portland Fire expansion team
The Chicago Sky opened their 2026 regular-season campaign against the Portland Fire, the league's new expansion team, on Saturday, May 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. EDT in Portland. This marked the inaugural game for the Portland Fire franchise.
Chicago Sky sign veteran guard Natasha Cloud
The Chicago Sky signed 10-year veteran guard Natasha Cloud to a one-year deal worth $555,000. Cloud averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 41 games for the New York Liberty in the previous season. The signing addressed Chicago's need for a traditional point guard to run the offense, with Cloud known for her defensive prowess and playmaking ability.
Chicago Sky waive 2025 first-round pick Hailey Van Lith
The Chicago Sky waived guard Hailey Van Lith, the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, on Monday. Van Lith, a 24-year-old point guard, averaged 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 29 games during her rookie season in 2025. The waiver was attributed to coaching staff style-of-play preference. Van Lith had dealt with an ankle injury throughout her rookie campaign but was healthy heading into the 2026 season.
Wings PR team declines to address Fudd's relationship status during introductory press conference
During Azzi Fudd's introductory press conference with the Dallas Wings on April 16, 2026, a reporter asked a direct question about Fudd's relationship with Paige Bueckers. A Wings public relations representative intervened and declined to comment on the player's personal life, stating that they would respectfully decline to discuss personal matters.
Dallas Wings draft Azzi Fudd with No. 1 overall pick in 2026 WNBA Draft
The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft earlier in April 2026. Fudd, a 23-year-old former University of Connecticut player, was drafted to join Paige Bueckers on the Wings roster. General Manager Curt Miller stated the team was deliberate and thorough in evaluating the draft class before selecting Fudd.
Paige Bueckers confirms Azzi Fudd earned No. 1 draft pick based on merit
Paige Bueckers addressed speculation that Azzi Fudd's selection as the No. 1 overall draft pick was influenced by their relationship. Bueckers stated that Fudd earned the draft position based on her abilities as a basketball player, her resilience, her strength, and her career performance at the University of Connecticut, where she had a career-best season.
Dallas Wings open 2026 WNBA regular season on May 9 against Indiana Fever
The Dallas Wings will open their 2026 WNBA regular season on May 9 on the road against the Indiana Fever, led by guard Caitlin Clark.
Dallas Wings finished 2025 season with 10-34 record, 13th losing season in 16 years
The Dallas Wings completed their 2025 season with a 10-34 record, tying for last place in the WNBA. This marked the 13th losing record for the franchise in the past 16 seasons, with the team missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Paige Bueckers wins WNBA Rookie of the Year award
Paige Bueckers was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in her first season with the Dallas Wings. Despite her strong individual performance, the Wings finished with a 10-34 record and tied for last place in the league.
Paige Bueckers addresses relationship with teammate Azzi Fudd at Dallas Wings media day
Paige Bueckers, star player for the Dallas Wings, made a statement at the team's media day on April 27, 2026, addressing her relationship with teammate Azzi Fudd. Bueckers stated that her personal relationship with Fudd is private and that they will only discuss the basketball aspect of their working relationship with media. She emphasized that she and Fudd have maintained professionalism and have not allowed personal matters to affect their on-court performance.
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd went public with relationship after winning national championship
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, former University of Connecticut teammates, publicly disclosed their romantic relationship last summer after winning a national championship together in Bueckers' final season at UConn. The two had spent three seasons together on the Huskies roster before Bueckers moved to the professional ranks.
Dallas Wings sign multiple players in free agency and contract extensions
The Dallas Wings signed guard Arike Ogunbowale to a multi-year contract extension on a team-friendly deal. The team also signed Alanna Smith to a three-year max contract and acquired Jessica Shepard and Alysha Clark as notable free agency signings.
Paige Bueckers reunites with former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd on Dallas Wings
Azzi Fudd was drafted by the Dallas Wings, reuniting her with teammate Paige Bueckers, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Wings in the previous year's draft. Both players overlapped at UConn where they won a national championship together. Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in her rookie WNBA season and won the league's Rookie of the Year award.
Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd with No. 1 overall pick in 2026 WNBA Draft
The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd averaged 17.3 points on 47% shooting in her final season at UConn before being drafted. The Wings general manager Curt Miller stated the team conducted a thorough evaluation process before selecting Fudd, describing her as a winner, competitor, hard worker, and excellent shooter with strong defensive capabilities.
Dallas Wings media team declines to comment on Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers relationship
During Azzi Fudd's introductory press conference with the Dallas Wings on Thursday, a reporter asked Fudd about her relationship with Paige Bueckers and whether she would seek advice from other couples in the WNBA about navigating a relationship as professional players. A Wings public relations representative interrupted and declined to comment on the players' personal lives, stating they would not be discussing that topic.
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd publicly confirmed relationship in 2025
Paige Bueckers confirmed in July 2025 during a WAG Talk interview that she and Azzi Fudd were dating. Both players shared hints about their relationship through multiple social media posts. Fudd was preparing for her final year at UConn at the time, while Bueckers was in the middle of her rookie WNBA season with the Wings.
American player Azzi Fudd selected first overall by Dallas Wings in 2026 WNBA draft
Azzi Fudd, a 23-year-old American basketball player, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA draft. Fudd was previously named the best high school player in the country in 2021 and won an NCAA championship at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in 2025, where she was named Most Outstanding Player. She eliminated in the NCAA Final Four this season.
Spanish player Awa Fam Thiam drafted third overall by Seattle Storm
Awa Fam Thiam, a 19-year-old Spanish basketball player standing 1.92 meters tall, was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2026 WNBA draft. She will join French teammate Dominique Malonga on the Storm roster.
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2 alternative perspectives
Sky waive Van Lith, sign veteran Cloud in roster shakeup
Chicago Sky waive first-round pick Van Lith, sign veteran guard Cloud.
Wings launch 2026 rebuild with Fudd, face Fever in season opener
Wings open 2026 season May 9 against Indiana with top draft pick Fudd on roster.
Bueckers wins WNBA Rookie of the Year award in Dallas
Paige Bueckers wins 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year award with Dallas Wings.
Bueckers clarifies Fudd's draft selection was purely merit-based
Bueckers clarified Fudd's No. 1 draft selection was merit-based, not relationship-influenced.
Wings bolster roster through free agency signings and contract extensions
Dallas Wings signed multiple free agents and extended contracts to strengthen their roster.
Bueckers reunites with Fudd as Wings draft their former UConn teammate
Fudd joins Bueckers on Dallas Wings after being drafted first overall, reuniting the confirmed couple.
WNBA expands to 15 teams as 2026 season launches May 8
WNBA expands to 15 teams; 2026 season starts May 8 with two new franchises.
International stars emerge in 2026 WNBA draft class
International players secured high picks in the 2026 WNBA draft, with Spanish and French selections in the opening rounds.