The WNBA is in a state of flux as teams once considered underdogs have reloaded, with rosters that are now brimming with power and promise. Whether it’s the Dallas Wings, led by Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, or Caitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston, and the Fever with DeWanna Bonner stepping up under Coach Stephanie White, the competition is fierce. But in Chicago, the Sky are ready to flip the script. With Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith, and a host of fresh talent in tow, the Sky are on a mission to turn the page on their past struggles.

After finishing 13-27 in 2024, Chicago is set to usher in a new era in 2025, with a restructured roster, strategic draft picks, and a fresh coaching perspective. The preseason, now just around the corner, is the perfect stage to assess how the new pieces fit together and set the tone for the upcoming campaign. As Angel Reese posted after Hailey Van Lith was drafted to the Sky, “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk🫣”—and with the new-look Sky ready to make waves, this season is one to watch.

Preseason Matchups: Dates and Venues​

The Chicago Sky’s preseason is shaping up to be a thrilling ride, with pivotal matchups that could set the tone for their 2025 season. It all kicks off with an exciting international showdown against Brazil, a game that promises to test the Sky’s revamped roster before their regular-season battles begin.

• Saturday, May 3: Sky vs. Brazil
  Time: 5:30 AM GMT+5:30
  Location: Pete Maravich Assembly Center
  Tickets: As low as $25

Then, the Sky will face off in back-to-back games against the Minnesota Lynx, each one a key chance to evaluate their new acquisitions and offseason strategies:

• Wednesday, May 7: Sky vs. Lynx
  Time: 4:30 AM GMT+5:30
  Location: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
• Sunday, May 11: Sky vs. Lynx
  Time: 5:30 AM GMT+5:30
  Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Regular Season Kickoff and Key Dates​

The Sky will commence their regular season on Saturday, May 18, facing the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 12:30 AM GMT+5:30

. Notably, the team will host two significant games at the United Center in Chicago:​

• ​Sunday, June 8: Against the Indiana Fever, 5:30 AM GMT+5:30
• ​Monday, July 28: Against the Indiana Fever, 12:30 AM GMT+5:30

These matches mark the first WNBA games at the United Center, offering fans a chance to witness high-caliber basketball in a larger venue.

Roster Enhancements and Strategic Acquisitions

The offseason saw the Sky make significant moves to bolster their lineup. They acquired the 11th overall pick from the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for their 2026 first-round pick, adding to their existing 10th pick. This strategic maneuver allowed them to select Hailey Van Lith, a dynamic guard known for her scoring prowess, and Ajša Sivka, a versatile Slovenian forward.​ These additions complement the team’s core, including Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, both of whom had impactful rookie seasons. 

Coaching Changes and Future Outlook​

In a bold move to reignite the team’s energy, the Chicago Sky appointed Tyler Marsh as head coach in November 2024. With fresh leadership and a new wave of talent, Marsh is set to maximize the Sky’s potential.

Adding to the excitement, Rena Wakama joins his coaching staff, alongside Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright, each bringing a winning mindset. As the 2025 season looms, these changes mark the Sky’s serious push for playoff contention, making the preseason an exciting preview of what’s to come.