If there has ever been a season to forget in the Chicago Sky's history, it has been this one. Fans have had to endure their beloved team fall to a woeful 8-23 record, resulting in the Sky languishing in 11th position in the regular-season standings.
With Chicago appointing rookie head coach Tyler Marsh for the 2025 WNBA campaign, there was a sense of optimism and intrigue surrounding the Wintrust Arena. Early signs of an effective offensive game plan were being implemented during the pre-season preparations, with a clear focus on three-point shooting and floor spacing.
However, a season-ending injury to the legendary playmaker Courtney Vandersloot and a back problem that has restricted Angel Reese to the sideline in recent matchups has inflicted more misery on the 2021 WNBA champions.
The Minnesota Lynx continue to revel in the Sky's demise as they now own the sole rights to their Eastern Conference rival's 2026 first-round pick in exchange for the No.11 overall pick in the 2025 draft—which Chicago utilized to select the dynamic TCU star, Hailey Van Lith.
Amid all the negativity and gloomy predictions for the 'Windy City' franchise, it is easy to forget that they have one European rookie who has been shelved until the 2026 campaign. Ajsa Sivka could be exactly who Tyler Marsh is craving on his roster.
Ajsa Sivka excels in U20 EuroBasket
Even though she was selected with Chicago's 10th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, it was decided that Ajsa Sivka would not link up with superstar teammate Reese this year due to her EuroBasket commitments while the campaign was underway.
Still only 19 years of age, Sivka is one of the most exciting prospects in the league and has already exhibited traits of a two-way forward who can space the floor with devastating effect. In addition, standing at six feet and three inches, she will have the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor—relieving Kamilla Cardoso and Reese of the heavy burden they carry on defense.
Allowing the FIBA U18 European Champions MVP to defer her WNBA debut has been one of the few positive decisions made by the Chicago front office in recent times. Sivka has blossomed in a lead role for Slovenia during the competition, averaging 15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Also, the Sky's forgotten rookie has showcased her ability to score at all three levels on the floor, recording 65.6% from two-point positions, 38.3% from three-point range, and 84.6% at the free-throw line.
Even with the impressive performances that Sivka is showing throughout this tournament, supporters of the Chicago Sky must be patient when she is integrated into the roster in 2026. With the young core that the franchise is developing, a small beacon of hope could be starting to emerge.