Hailey Van Lith’s arrival to the Chicago Sky brought more than just a promising guard to their roster. A former college standout, her leap to the WNBA sets the stage for a new chapter in a franchise seeking fresh momentum.
Her rookie deal reflects the standard path for a mid‑first‑round draft pick, anchoring her financially while offering room for growth. It also hints at the franchise’s intent to shape its future around emerging talent like her.
Yet the numbers behind her contract and the length of her stay reveal a carefully structured plan. It’s a deal balancing opportunity and control, designed to keep her in Chicago as she finds her place among the league’s rising stars.
What is Hailey Van Lith’s salary with the Chicago Sky?
Hailey Van Lith begins her pro journey on a rookie-scale contract, placing her among Chicago Sky’s developmental talent tier. According to Spotrac, her base salary in her 2025 rookie season is $72,455.
Hailey Van Lith #2 of the Chicago Sky dribbles against the New York Liberty during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
That progression—$73,905 in 2026, $81,297 in 2027 and $92,383 in 2028—follows the standard structure for mid‑first-round selections (picks 9–12), and over four years her earnings total around $320,040.
Though modest by broader professional sports standards, her deal offers financial stability and incremental growth. Spotrac also notes an average annual salary of approximately $75,886 across the contract’s duration.
Hailey Van Lith’s contract: How long will she stay in the team?
As the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Hailey Van Lith signed a standard rookie-scale deal that spans four seasons, from 2025 through 2028. This timeline keeps her on the roster through her fourth year.
This contract model—pre‑set salary progression with team options—offers Chicago flexibility while she develops into a potential core contributor. By 2028, her annual salary peaks at $92,383, reflecting her role’s projected evolution.
If her performance exceeds expectations, both sides might enter extension talks before the contract expires. For now, though, the Sky retain her rights through the end of the 2028 season under the existing collective bargaining structure.
