The Chicago Sky have signed Natasha Cloud to a one-year, $550,000 deal, sources briefed on the contract told The Athletic. The Sky also waived Hailey Van Lith, the team announced.
Cloud won a WNBA championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019 and is a three-time All-Defensive Team member, but spent much of the offseason unsigned after starting 41 games for the New York Liberty in 2025.
Van Lith, the Sky’s No. 11 pick in 2025, struggled in her rookie season, playing just 12.4 minutes and averaging 3.5 points.
The Sky’s guard play last year was decimated when veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot tore her ACL in her right knee seven games into the season.
This year, general manager Jeff Pagliocca bolstered the team’s backcourt by signing seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins, trading for Jacy Sheldon and re-signing Rachel Banham and Vandersloot. But the question this team has to answer is, who will be the starting point guard?
Cloud has been a starter throughout her career, starting in every game she’s played over the last six seasons. It seems likely that Diggins and Cloud will share the backcourt, considering both can play off the ball. However, Cloud isn’t a consistent threat from 3, which is a cause for concern. Cloud shot 33.8 percent from 3 on 3.8 attempts per game in her lone season with the Liberty.
Beyond Vandersloot, the Sky are navigating other injuries that will limit them on opening night. Azura Stevens is working through a minor stress injury in her left knee and expects to be available “early in the season,” she told reporters during training camp. DiJonai Carrington is still working her way back from a foot injury she sustained while playing for the Minnesota Lynx last season, which required surgery this offseason.
The Sky’s starting five to open the season could include Diggins, Cloud, Sheldon, Rickea Jackson and Kamilla Cardoso.
“Natasha is one of the best passers and defenders in our league,” Pagliocca said. “She fits in with the other proven winners on our roster.”
Cloud’s availability this late in training camp was curious, considering her experience in the WNBA. She went unsigned for over three weeks before agreeing to her deal with the Sky on Monday.
Social media rumors swirled that the league was blackballing her because of her activism. However, multiple sources who work in the league told The Athletic that numerous teams expressed interest in Cloud. She was in talks with three teams before signing with the Sky, a source briefed on her offers said.
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb’s decision not to re-sign Cloud came down to roster and salary-cap restraints.
Meanwhile, Chicago waived Van Lith after she failed to separate herself as a future WNBA starting point guard in one season. While Pagliocca’s decision to waive Van Lith makes sense based on the Sky’s needs, it’s a questionable move considering he traded draft assets to Portland and Toronto in exchange for roster protection in the expansion draft.
This year, the Sky’s training camp was competitive, with guards like Sydney Taylor and Aicha Coulibaly impressing early. Taylor went undrafted in 2024 before beginning her professional career overseas. The Sky drafted Coulibaly with the No. 22 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Van Lith had 20 points in the Sky’s preseason loss to the Phoenix Mercury and scored 5 points to go with six assists against the Atlanta Dream.
She could be a valuable asset for a team on a developmental contract, but she will have to clear waivers first.
The Sky now have 14 players — with 11 spots solidified — after waiving Van Lith, giving Pagliocca three days to narrow the roster to 12 by the league’s May 7 cutdown date. The Sky’s final roster spot will come down to Taylor, Coulibaly and forward Maddy Westbeld, who Chicago selected with the 16th pick in the 2025 draft.
