Toronto Tempo Eyeing Chicago Sky's Hailey Van Lith for WNBA Expansion Draft

Van Lith's status with Sky could impact expansion plans for new Toronto and Portland franchises.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:12pm

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The upcoming WNBA expansion draft for the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises will force existing teams to make tough decisions on which players to protect. One key player to watch is Hailey Van Lith, the former Louisville, LSU, and TCU star who was the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Sky last season. If Van Lith is left unprotected by the Sky, she could be a valuable addition for the Tempo or Fire as they build their inaugural rosters.

Why it matters

The expansion draft presents a unique opportunity for the Tempo and Fire to acquire talented young players on team-friendly contracts. Van Lith, as a recent first-round pick, could be a building block if left unprotected by the Sky. The decisions made by existing WNBA teams will significantly impact the competitive outlook for the new franchises.

The details

Van Lith had a limited role as a rookie with the Sky, but her potential as a former college star makes her an intriguing target. Similarly, Jacy Sheldon of the Washington Mystics could also be left unprotected and available in the expansion draft. While experienced veterans may help the Tempo and Fire be more competitive right away, prioritizing young talent under contract could pay dividends in the long run for the new franchises.

  • The WNBA expansion draft is scheduled to take place in the coming months, with the Tempo and Fire set to begin play in the 2027 season.

The players

Hailey Van Lith

A former star guard at Louisville, LSU, and TCU who was the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Jacy Sheldon

A talented young guard who played for the Washington Mystics in her rookie season and could also be left unprotected in the expansion draft.

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What they’re saying

“Rarely does a first-round pick become available so quickly, but that could happen here with Van Lith.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

The Tempo and Fire will closely monitor the protection decisions made by existing WNBA teams ahead of the expansion draft, with a particular focus on the status of players like Hailey Van Lith and Jacy Sheldon.

The takeaway

The upcoming WNBA expansion draft presents a unique opportunity for the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises to acquire young, talented players on team-friendly contracts. The decisions made by existing teams on who to protect will be crucial, as players like Hailey Van Lith and Jacy Sheldon could become valuable building blocks for the expansion teams.