As the 2025 WNBA season tips off, the Chicago Sky find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, building a roster with long-term promise while laying the foundation for a more competitive future off the court.
Coming off a 13-27 season that left them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2024, the Sky made key changes in leadership and personnel, including the hiring of new head coach Tyler Marsh and the additions of veterans like Courtney Vandersloot and Kia Nurse.
Chicago Sky’s glow-up has Angel Reese talking big
But arguably the biggest shift for the franchise won’t fully take shape until next year.
A state-of-the-art, $38 million practice facility is under construction in Bedford Park and expected to be completed by December 2025.
The venue will feature top-tier amenities, including two WNBA regulation courts, an advanced training center, player lounges, film rooms, and more, designed to support performance and player well-being at the highest level.
At the Sky’s media availability on Monday, second-year forward Angel Reese reflected on the significance of the upcoming facility and what it means for the team’s trajectory.
“It was a risk to come here,”Reese admitted.
“We don’t have a practice facility. It goes to show what (Vandersloot) wanted. It goes to show what Kia (Nurse), Ariel, what they trusted and believed in.”
Reese believes the investment will shift the perception of Chicago as a destination team once the facility is up and running.
“You’re gonna see, once we get that practice facility, everybody’s gonna try to come to Chicago,” she said with a grin.
“But the door will be shut. Nah, just kidding … .”
The Sky currently train at the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield, Illinois, a nearly hour-long drive from downtown, which has long been a point of concern for players and staff.
The team’s ownership hopes the new facility will reflect their commitment to growth and player support.
Reese, who averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds as a rookie, has already shown strides this preseason.
With a strengthened roster around her and a long-term vision in place, the future in Chicago may be just beginning to unfold.
The Sky will face off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in their season opener on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, airing on ABC.
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