Courtney Vandersloot. Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Chicago Sky land five-time WNBA All-Star to play alongside Angel Reese

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 12:11 AM ET

Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky landed a major free-agency pickup over the weekend in veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot.

Vandersloot, 35, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft and spent her first 11 professional seasons with the Sky. While there, she set several team records and helped the organization win the WNBA title in 2021. After two years in New York with the Liberty, she's heading back to the Windy City to add to her legacy there.

“Chicago is where it all started for me—it’s home, it’s family, and it’s a point guard’s dream,” Vandersloot said. “The city, the fans, and the culture here have helped to shape the person I am today. I’m eager to embrace this next chapter, take on the challenge of leading and learning from a really talented young team, and bring my experience back to the place that means so much to me.”

A two-time WNBA first-team selection who has led the league in assists seven times, Vandersloot averaged 8.7 points and 6.6 assists for the Liberty in 2024. The year prior, she was selected to her fifth All-Star Game.

In announcing her return to the franchise, Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca called the Gonzaga alum a "generational talent."

BROOKLYN, NY - MAY 23: Courtney Vandersloot #22 high fives Betnijah Laney #44 of the New York Liberty during the game against the Chicago Sky on May 23, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. Evan Yu/Getty Images

While Vandersloot and the Liberty were winning the WNBA title last year, the Sky struggled to a 13-27 mark, missing the playoffs.

However, with Reese, who led the league in rebounds, and Kamilla Cardoso both entering their second season, there's a strong foundation in place for new head coach Tyler Marsh to work with.

"I think she handled her rookie year great," Marsh said of Reese in December. "I mean, you set a record in rebounding and, to me, it's still amazing that people kind of undervalue and undersell just what that was for a rookie."

The Sky will open up their 2025 season against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 17.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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