Chicago Sky Team History
Sky Team Creation
In February 2005, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that Chicago had been awarded a new WNBA franchise. The franchise was temporarily named WNBA Chicago. On May 27, 2005, former NBA player and coach Dave Cowens was announced as the team’s first head coach and general manager. The team home would be the UIC Pavilion.
Biggest trades in league history
During the 2016 – 2017 offseason, in what was called one of the biggest trades in league history, the Sky traded Delle Donne to the Washington Mystics, receiving Kahleah Copper, Stefanie Dolson, and the Mystics’ #2 overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft.
The Chicago Sky are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, playing in the Eastern Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was founded before the 2006 WNBA season began. It is owned by Michael J. Alter (principal owner) and Margaret Stender (minority owner).
Like some other WNBA teams, the Sky is not affiliated with a National Basketball Association (NBA) counterpart, although the Chicago Bulls play in the same market.
Established
2006
City
Chicago
League History
2006 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2006 – Present / Chicago Sky
Nickname
Sky – Team President and CEO Margaret Stender claimed the team name represent “A beautiful day in Chicago between the blue sky and bright sunlight to highlight the spectacular skyline.”
Championship
WNBA Championships 0
Arena
2018 – Present / Wintrust Arena
2010 – 2017 / Allstate Arena
2006 – 2009 / UIC Pavilion
Owner
2006 – Present / Michael J. Alter and Margaret Stender
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history