Hailey Van Lith has secured a seven-day contract extension with the Connecticut Sun, ensuring her presence on the roster for at least another week. This move marks the latest chapter in Van Lith’s evolving career within the WNBA.
Initially drafted 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, Van Lith made an impact as a rookie by averaging 3.5 points over 29 games. After her stint in Chicago, she transitioned to the Sun on a developmental contract earlier this season, where increased playing time has allowed her to showcase her growing contributions on the court.
Rising Role Amidst Team Challenges
During her time with Connecticut, Van Lith has appeared in 16 games, starting three of them, and has boosted her averages to 5.3 points, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 rebounds per contest. Her shooting efficiency has also improved, as she currently connects on 42.9% of her field goal attempts and 40.9% from three-point range.
The Sun, holding a 10-27 record, have already been eliminated from playoff contention with seven games left in their season. Injuries to key players like Brittney Griner and Aaliyah Edwards have created opportunities for Van Lith to earn more consistent minutes, allowing her to further establish herself within the team dynamic.
Interestingly, this new contract signals a return to stability after a brief setback. Connecticut waived Van Lith in May after nine games, despite her strong shooting percentage of 49.2% during that period. However, the Sun quickly re-signed her to a developmental deal, reflecting their continued interest in her potential development and impact.