Chicago Sky make big announcement before Valkyries games

Phantom BC wing Natasha Cloud (15) celebrates after defeating Vinyl BC.

Chicago Sky make big announcement before Valkyries games

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 11, 2026 10:51 PM ET

The Chicago Sky are looking to bounce back from a forgettable 2025 campaign. Last season, the Sky finished with a 10-34 record, tied for the worst in the league. They missed the WNBA playoffs for a second straight season.

Chicago made some big moves in the offseason. They traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, marking the end of the former LSU Tigers star’s two-year stint with the Sky.

Chicago also brought in a lot of new faces via free agency. Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington and Azura Stevens were some of the Sky’s big-name signings as they retooled ahead of the 2026 season. They also brought in Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon in separate trade deals.

The front office also signed Natasha Cloud on a one-year, $555,000 contract. The three-time All-Defensive guard, however, sat out the Sky’s season opener on Saturday due to an illness.

Despite Cloud’s absence the Sky still secured a win in their first game of the new WNBA season. Chicago defeated the Portland Fire on the road, 98-83.

Chicago Sky make Natasha Cloud announcement

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh spoke to reporters on Monday during practice. The second-year Chicago coach faced a lot of questions heading into the Sky’s matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Wedensday.

Marsh also took the opportunity to provide an update on Cloud. The 38-year-old coach announced that Cloud has been cleared to make her debut on Wednesday.

“She went through all of practice today and we’re excited to get her in there,” Marsh said of Cloud, via Chicago State of Mind Sports on X. “We’re gonna throw her right in and we know that she’s ready for it, and we’re ready to have her out there.”

Marsh is clearly looking forward to Cloud’s first game for her new team. The one-time WNBA champion is expected to make a significant impact on the squad, particularly on the defensive end.

Cloud is expected to start for the Sky alongside Diggins. Last season, she made 41 starts for the New York Liberty, averaging 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 triples in 29.0 minutes per contest.

The Sky will be on the road again on Wednesday. The 2-0 Valkyries will host the matchup at Chase Center, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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