The Connecticut Sun announced the waiver of guard Hailey Van Lith on Thursday. The team simultaneously activated guard Leïla Lacan to replace her on the roster.
Roster Moves
The Sun claimed Van Lith off waivers earlier in May after she was released by the Chicago Sky. Chicago waived Van Lith on May 4, a decision reported by ESPN's Kendra Andrews as based on the team's "style of play preference." Van Lith had been a first-round pick (11th overall) by the Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Leïla Lacan had been on a contract suspension due to overseas obligations. She returns after winning a title with Basket Landes in the 2026 La Boulangère Wonderligue, where she received Finals MVP honors. According to ESPN, Lacan is expected to make her season debut on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Performance Statistics for the Connecticut Sun
In nine games with the Sun, Van Lith averaged 8.1 points, 2.2 assists, and 17.6 minutes per game across three starts. She shot 49.2% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range. Van Lith ranked second on the team in field goals made (30) and tied for second in three-pointers (eight). She scored nine or more points in her first five games with Connecticut but was scoreless in the Sun's win over the Seattle Storm on May 20.
Previous Tenure with Chicago Sky
During the 2025 season with the Chicago Sky, Van Lith appeared in 29 games off the bench, averaging 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 12.5 minutes per game. She shot 16.1% from three-point range and recorded averages of 1.6 assists and 1.2 turnovers. The Sky protected Van Lith during the 2025 expansion draft before her release.
Background and Team Context
Van Lith played college basketball at Louisville, LSU, and TCU. She was named Big 12 Player of the Year at TCU during the 2024-25 season.
The Chicago Sky underwent significant roster changes in the offseason, including trading forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The Sky finished the 2025 season with a 10-34 record, second-to-last in the league. Head coach Tyler Marsh enters his second season with the team.
Following Van Lith's waiver, reports from ESPN indicated she is in discussions with multiple other WNBA teams.