The Chicago Sky history highlights the journey of the Chicago Sky WNBA team from its 2006 debut as an expansion franchise to becoming a premier contender in women’s basketball. Featuring star players and breakthrough seasons, the Sky’s rise to a championship team reflects determination, talent, and a growing impact on the league and its fans.
Established
2006
City
Chicago
League History
2006 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2006 – Present / Chicago Sky
Nickname
Sky – The Chicago Sky is a professional women's basketball team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was founded in 2006 and has been an integral part of the WNBA ever since. But have you ever wondered where their nickname came from?
Chicago Sky Origin
The origin of the name “Sky” dates back to 2005 when Mayor Richard M. Daley announced that he wanted to create a new WNBA franchise for Chicago, giving fans something else to cheer about besides just baseball and football teams. He decided on “Sky” as it symbolized power and beauty, two qualities necessary for success in any sport but essential for female athletes competing at such a high level.
In addition to being symbolic, "Sky" also had personal meaning for many people living in Chicago due to its association with one of its most iconic landmarks – The Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower). It was believed that if you could reach up high enough while standing at ground level near this building, you could also touch the sky! This powerful image resonated with many locals who were excited by what this new team represented - hope, determination, and strength - all qualities needed by those striving towards greatness no matter what they are doing or where they come from!
Not only did Mayor Daley choose an inspiring name, but he also selected colors reflective of his vision: red signifying passion; white representing purity; blue embodying trustworthiness; black denoting sophistication; yellow expressing optimism & green exemplifying growth & renewal...all combined forming one beautiful palette which stands proudly behind every game played by our beloved hometown heroes: The Chicago Sky!
Championship
WNBA Championships 1
2021
Arena
2018 – Present / Wintrust Arena
2010 – 2017 / Allstate Arena
2006 – 2009 / UIC Pavilion
Owner
2006 – Present / Michael J. Alter and Margaret Stender
- 2006
- 2017
- 2021
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 were 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.-
First WNBA Championship for the Sky
The 2021 WNBA Finals, officially the WNBA Finals 2021 presented by YouTube TV for sponsorship reasons, was the best-of-five championship series for the 2021 season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The finals featured the fifth-seeded Phoenix Mercury facing off against the sixth-seeded Chicago Sky, a rematch of the 2014 Finals. The Sky defeated the Mercury in 4 games, ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Chicago Sky History
The Chicago Sky history began in 2006 when the Chicago Sky WNBA team was granted as an expansion franchise. The team joined the league with high hopes and a mission to build a competitive culture in Chicago. Early seasons were rough, but the Sky quickly identified talent and instilled grit, becoming known for their strong guard play and rebounding presence.
Over time, the Chicago Sky WNBA team added star players like Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley. These athletes helped define the Chicago Sky history with standout performances, All-Star selections, and dramatic playoff runs. Their style combined smart offense and tough defense, giving fans many memorable Chicago Sky history moments.
The turning point in Chicago Sky history came in 2021, when the Chicago Sky WNBA team won its first WNBA Championship. Despite finishing the regular season with an even record (16-16), they caught fire in the playoffs and defeated the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals 3-1. Kahleah Copper was named Finals MVP, giving the franchise its long-awaited championship glory.
Since the championship, the Chicago Sky history has seen ups and downs. Following their 2021 peak, the Chicago Sky WNBA returned strong in 2022 with the second-best record in the league (26-10), but lost in the playoffs. Roster changes, injuries, and growing pains have challenged them, yet their base of young talent and veteran leadership continues to promise more.
Sky Achievements
Some of the biggest highlights of Chicago Sky history include their 2021 WNBA Championship, which marked the first title in franchise history and ended years of chasing the top prize. The chicago sky wnba team also has multiple Eastern Conference titles, a host of individual awards (MVP, Defensive Player, Rookie of the Year), and many All-Star appearances.
In addition, Chicago Sky history shows franchise records held by players like Elena Delle Donne (scoring leader seasons), Sylvia Fowles (rebounding & defense), and Courtney Vandersloot (assists). The Chicago Sky WNBA team’s resilience in rebuilding seasons and ability to remain relevant in a deep league adds power to their legacy. These achievements ensure Chicago remains one of the premier teams in WNBA history.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history