The Connecticut Sun have claimed point guard Hailey Van Lith off waivers after she was fired by the Chicago Sky [1, 2].
This move allows the Sun to strengthen their backcourt depth while reuniting Van Lith with a familiar coaching presence. The acquisition comes as the team looks to optimize its rotation for the upcoming season.
Van Lith, who is 24 years old [1], enters her second WNBA season [4] following her tenure with the Sky. The transition occurred rapidly, with the claim finalized less than 24 hours before final rosters were due [6].
A primary motivator for the move is the presence of coach Jen Rizotti in Connecticut. Rizotti previously coached Van Lith on the U.S. women’s national 3x3 team [1, 4]. This existing rapport is expected to assist Van Lith's integration into the Sun's system.
While some reports described the acquisition as a free-agent signing [6], multiple sources confirmed the transaction was a waiver claim [1, 2, 3]. Van Lith was a first-round draft pick in 2025 [6].
The Connecticut Sun welcomed the guard via social media, saying, "Welcome to Connecticut, Hailey☀️" [4].
The move signals a shift in the Chicago Sky's roster strategy as they move on from the guard [4]. For the Sun, adding a player with Van Lith's profile provides a strategic boost to their guard rotation as they compete in a high-stakes league environment.
“The Connecticut Sun have claimed point guard Hailey Van Lith off waivers”
The Sun are prioritizing chemistry and proven talent by reuniting Van Lith with Coach Jen Rizotti. By securing a former first-round pick via waivers just before the roster deadline, Connecticut gains a low-risk, high-reward asset to stabilize their backcourt without the complexities of a standard free-agent negotiation.
