Sure, it seemed like Hailey Van Lith’s WNBA days were numbered, but the script has flipped. First, the Chicago Sky waived her following the preseason. The Connecticut Sun picked her up from waivers a couple of days later. However, Van Lith found herself waived yet again as Leila Lacan returned from her overseas commitment. Yet, Van Lith has found a way to stay at the Sun, but with a major downgrade.

Van Lith has re-signed with the Connecticut Sun as a developmental player two days after she was waived. It means she can appear in a maximum of 12 games for the Sun while remaining in the fold. Her contract drops from $289,133 to a developmental base salary of $750 per week for the duration of the regular season. To top that, she will also receive an active game bonus. According to reports, Van Lith had opportunities to leave the Sun but chose to stay. 

“While there were other opportunities available to her, according to sources, Van Lith feels that staying in Connecticut right now is the best fit both for her immediate development and her long-term goals,” Alexa Phillippou reported.

With the Sun, the 24-year-old averaged 8.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.6 minutes across nine games, earning three starts. She also notched up a career-high 17 points against the Las Vegas Aces. She also happens to be the third-leading scorer on the team behind Brittney Griner (15 points per game) and 2025 first-round pick Aneesah Morrow (11.4 points per game). 

At the Sky last year, she had a very limited role, averaging 3.5 points in 12.4 minutes per game. She also struggled through an ankle injury, which meant she played in just 29 games. 

If Van Lith had found a place on another squad, it was unlikely that she would have had a regular role. At this point, most rotations and rosters are set. Additionally, the league is especially deep at the guard position.

And staying in Connecticut means avoiding pressure for Hailey Van Lith. The team is not expected to compete for the playoffs and is currently 2-8. It could be a good place to develop for a young star like Van Lith. There is also a possibility that the other opportunities were developmental spots as well. In that case, staying at the Sun is a no-brainer. There is an off-court aspect to it as well, as the team is in a transitional phase.  

They are moving to Houston next year as essentially an entirely new team. Her popularity and marketing potential would help this new team garner fans, and vice versa. However, this begs the question as to why a talented player like Van Lith is struggling to succeed in the WNBA. 

Why Hailey Van Lith is still searching for her WNBA fit

Let’s not forget the Chicago Sky traded their first-round pick to acquire that 11th pick. And they still released her in her second year.

“Sources tell ESPN this decision was based on Chicago’s ‘style of play preference,’ and that Van Lith is in active conversation with a number of different teams,” ESPN’s Kendra Andrews reported.

That’s not what fans expected from Van Lith, who had impressed in college. She averaged 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in her final year at TCU. However, her playing style is a big part of why she can’t find a permanent roster spot yet. 

Van Lith is an undersized guard at 5’9″, which puts her at a distinct disadvantage. The average height of WNBA rosters in 2026 is nearly 6’1″. As a result, she needs to excel in other areas to offset that disadvantage. However, her three-point shooting remains a concern.

During her career at TCU, she shot 33.8% from beyond the arc on 5.1 attempts per game. That’s not a poor mark, but modern point guards are often expected to be consistent three-point threats. Even veteran Natasha Cloud struggled to find a team for an extended period.

Coming to her stint with the Sun, Van Lith shot 47.1% from three-point range. So, if she can develop a reliable outside shot, she will be in a much better position to secure a roster spot. Her mid-range game is where she shines, while her scrappy defense and hustle plays are additional strengths. But Van Lith’s situation is another reminder that talent alone is not enough.

Finding the right role, adapting to a faster and more physical game, and developing skills that complement a team’s system can be just as important as raw talent. For now, Connecticut gives Van Lith another opportunity to prove she belongs.