Azurá Stevens Excited for 'New Era' With Chicago Sky

Veteran forward returns to WNBA team after 4 years away, sees bright future with improved facilities and roster

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of blue, orange, and white, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a WNBA basketball game in an abstract, fragmented style.Azurá Stevens' return to the Chicago Sky signals a new era of championship aspirations for the franchise.Chicago Today

Azurá Stevens, a key member of the Chicago Sky's 2021 WNBA championship team, is returning to the franchise after 4 years away. Stevens signed a 3-year, $3.15 million contract, making her the highest-paid player on the Sky roster. She cited the team's new training facility, coaching staff, and familiar faces on the roster as reasons for her decision to come back to Chicago.

Why it matters

Stevens' return is a major boost for the Sky as they look to build on their 2021 title and compete for another championship. Her veteran leadership and on-court production will be crucial, and the team's investment in improved facilities and personnel signals a commitment to sustained success.

The details

After meeting with 7 WNBA teams in free agency, Stevens ultimately chose to return to the Sky, where she won a title in 2021. The new 3-year deal will pay her $1 million this season, a significant raise from the $195,000 she made last year with the Los Angeles Sparks. Stevens cited the Sky's new training facility, coaching staff led by Tyler Marsh, and familiar faces like Skylar Diggins and Elizabeth Williams as key factors in her decision.

  • Stevens won a WNBA championship with the Sky in 2021.
  • Stevens spent the last 3 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • Stevens signed a 3-year, $3.15 million contract with the Sky on April 14, 2026.

The players

Azurá Stevens

A veteran forward who won a WNBA title with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and is returning to the team on a 3-year, $3.15 million contract.

Tyler Marsh

The Sky's second-year head coach, who Stevens praised for his attention to detail and development of players.

Skylar Diggins

A veteran guard who Stevens played with as a rookie with the Dallas Wings.

Elizabeth Williams

A center who Stevens played with at Duke University.

Rickea Jackson

A forward who Stevens spent the last 2 seasons playing with on the Los Angeles Sparks.

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What they’re saying

“It's a new era here in Chicago. I think all the OG fans know what Chicago basketball was like. We're looking to get back to that and we're looking to win another championship. We've done it before. We can do it again. We have all the pieces. We're going to work hard for it.”

— Azurá Stevens, Chicago Sky Forward

“To get seven figures is literally life changing. I've been pretty fortunate to make some good money playing basketball, but not that much. It's life changing for my family. To give back to my parents — they've literally done more than I can imagine for me. It's a blessing to be able to make this money. I'm going to earn every single penny.”

— Azurá Stevens, Chicago Sky Forward

What’s next

The Sky will look to integrate Stevens into their roster and prepare for the upcoming WNBA season, where they will aim to build on their 2021 championship and compete for another title.

The takeaway

Azurá Stevens' return to the Chicago Sky signals the team's commitment to sustained success and their willingness to invest in their roster and facilities. With a veteran core and new additions, the Sky are poised to contend for championships in the coming years.