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?
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.
History of the Sky
The Chicago Sky has been a part of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) since 2006. The team was founded as an expansion franchise and has since become one of the most successful teams in the league. They are certainly a force to be reckoned with seven playoff appearances, two Eastern Conference titles, and one WNBA Finals appearance.
Since their inception in 2006, the Sky has had some incredible players on their roster, including Candace Parker, who won MVP honors for her performance during her first season with them; Elena Delle Donne, who won Rookie of the Year awards during her first season and is now considered one of best all-around players in women’s basketball; Courtney Vandersloot who holds several records among point guards including assists per game; Sylvia Fowles who is widely regarded as one of best centers ever to play professional basketball; Allie Quigley whose three-point shooting prowess has helped lead them to victory many times over throughout their history together. This impressive list goes on!
As sports fans, we should watch for what this talented group will do next because it looks like it could be headed towards another great year full of potential successes that could further add to its already impressive resume! Whether watching from home or attending games at Wintrust Arena here in Chicago, supporting this fantastic team can only bring more joy into your life - so don't miss out!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history