Courtney Vandersloot is headed back to the Chicago Sky after 2 seasons with the NY Liberty. This move wasn’t much of a surprise after the year Courtney Vandersloot had. Even though the year ended in a championship, the second of her career, Vandersloot faced both life-changing and career-defining experiences that shaped her decision to return to where it all started.
During her time in New York, Sloot showcased her playmaking abilities, leading the team in assists and contributing significantly to their run in the 2023 playoffs. However, the challenges she faced in 2024, including navigating personal loss, and adapting to a new team dynamic, may have influenced her choice to reunite with the Sky.
Sloot’s return to the Chicago comes on the heels of a profoundly challenging year, marked by the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Jan, who passed away after a battle with Multiple Myeloma during the 2024 season. Earlier that season Sloot partnered with The Multiple Myeloma Research Fund, where she participated in the Five Boro Bike Tour around New York City on May 5th, a day that coincidentally aligned with the Liberty's media day.
Sloot managed to balance her cause with her professional responsibilities; she began her day taking part in team photos and videos before embarking on the bike tour with her wife, Allie Quigley. Courtney remained committed to raising awareness for this disease, actively participating in initiatives to support research and the development of new treatments.
Despite losing her mom, Courtney returned to the Liberty, to contribute to their quest for a championship title. As the season progressed, Courtney experienced a noticeable shift in her role with the New York Liberty. Coach Sandy Brondello made a significant decision during the playoffs to alter the starting lineup, incorporating rookie Leonie Fiebich as a starter and moving Sloot to the bench for the first time since 2018. She responded with professionalism and dedication, putting the team's success above her personal preferences. Regardless of her diminished role, Vandersloot continued to contribute immensely, both on and off the court. She embraced her new position, and exemplified her status as a consummate professional in the WNBA.
After winning her second title with the New York Liberty, Courtney Vandersloot stepped into the 2025 off-season as a free agent and starting guard for the Mist Basketball Club in the newly established Unrivaled league, founded by her former Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. During the Unrivaled Media Day, Vandersloot took the opportunity to reveal her plans regarding free agency and the factors influencing her decision on where she would play next.
“I want to be valued, I want to be competitive – obviously, that’s why you come into this league, to compete for championships. A place that takes care of me, wants me to be there, sees what I can bring to the team. That’s most important. I want to have the ball in my hand, and to be able to create the way that I think that I can, and just be in a place that is comfortable for me and my family.”
Courtney’s comments during the Unrivaled Media Day heightened the speculation surrounding her potential departure from New York, so this move was no surprise. Having previously led the Chicago Sky to a championship in 2021 as the primary ball handler, Sloot's ties to Chicago seemed stronger than ever this offseason. As she prepared to transition to Miami for the inaugural season of Unrivaled, many observers noted the significance of her return to Chicago in the offseason.
On January 29, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times broke the news that Courtney Vandersloot would be leaving New York to return to the Chicago Sky on a one-year contract. Shortly after, Sloot updated her Instagram bio to reflect the move, signaling the start of a somewhat new chapter in her career. As she prepares to turn 36 on February 8th, it will be fascinating to observe the dynamic she develops with younger teammates like 22-year-old Angel Reese and 23-year-old Kamila Cardoso. Known as "the General," Vandersloot's exceptional playmaking skills will be instrumental in facilitating their growth as players. Additionally, the Sky hold the #3 pick in the upcoming draft, raising questions about whether they will trade it for a star veteran.
Another intriguing aspect is the potential return of Courtney's wife, Allie Quigley, a four-time three-point contest champion, to the WNBA and possibly to the Sky, adding another layer to the team’s future. Returning to the Chicago Sky presents Sloot with the opportunity to leverage her experience and leadership skills in a familiar environment. Fans are excited to see how her presence will impact the team as they aim to get back in contention.
There is no debate that Courtney Vandersloot is a New York Liberty legend; during her two seasons with the team, she played a crucial role in helping lead the Liberty to both a Commissioner’s Cup and a WNBA title, marking significant milestones as the first in franchise history. Her veteran presence and leadership will undoubtedly be missed as she takes on part two of her journey with the Chicago Sky. Liberty fans can look forward to July 10th when the Sky visit Barclays Center, as Sloot will receive her championship ring.
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