With Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo joining the league thanks to the WNBA's 2026 expansion draft, the new CBA rules likely limit the protected players to five.

It's safe to say it will force teams to make tough decisions. So, the Chicago Sky's plan of action could be clear with these potential players safeguarded.

1. Angel Reese - Chicago Sky's Star

The Sky star started all 30 games she was a part of this season, setting her 46th double-double in just her second WNBA season. Reese holds the record for logging the most double-doubles in her first two seasons. She also averaged 14.7 PPG and 12.6 RPG despite missing 14 games due to a back injury and a half-game suspension.

With her contract still running, Reese has big plans to carry the Sky to the playoffs next season, and the team will protect her in the draft.

2. Kamilla Cardoso - The 2nd best prospect

Reese and Cardoso are a dynamic duo on court for the Chicago Sky. The 2024 first round 3rd pick stands 5th in the league for her rebounding average of 8.5.

Her season included standout moments, such as a 27-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks. Other career highs were rebounds (15), assists (6), averaging 13.6 PPG, and 2.5 APG for the Chicago Sky. She also tallied 13 double-doubles, noting her solid performance as Sky's premier center.

This growth makes her a clear expansion draft lock.

3. Hailey Van Lith - The Chicago Sky rookie

Drafted as the 11th overall pick, Van Lith played 29 games in her rookie season. As a bench player, she posted more points than the starters in a game versus the Connecticut Sun, ending with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

The Chicago Sky have the option to save either one of the rookies, Van Lith or Maddy Westbeld. But despite Westbeld's game-high of 25 points and 7 rebounds, Van Lith's position as the first-round pick gives her an edge.

4. Ariel Atkins - Chicago Sky core-eligible

In her eight WNBA seasons, the first with the Sky, Ariel Atkins was automatic. She started all 34 games she played, averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.

The former Washington Mystics guard was traded to the Chicago Sky for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The 2x All-Star shot 44.4% from the field with a season-high of 30 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds against the Las Vegas Aces.

So, the Chicago Sky will not risk losing that level of star power.

5. Ajša Sivka - The International pick

The 20-year-old Slovenian was the Chicago Sky's 10th overall pick. With many accolades in FIBA as part of Slovenia's national basketball team, the power forward played overseas last season but remains part of the Chicago Sky's team plans.

In the 2025-26 Spain LF Endesa, she averaged 9.3 points with a 50% FT.

So, with the Chicago Sky core already taking shape for the next season, who do you think the franchise will protect?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi