Vandersloot's injury is a major loss for the rebuilding Sky, and in particular their young bigs, Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. Hailey Van Lith, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, took Vandersloot place in the starting lineup for the second half on Saturday, and will likely assume that position for the rest of the season.

The Chicago Sky’s historic first game at the United Center ended with a 79-52 loss to the Indiana Fever — and an injury to Courtney Vandersloot.

Vandersloot is the most distinguished player in Sky history and a future Hall of Famer, regardless of the injury. The team drafted her No. 3 overall in 2011, and she has played 13 of her 15 seasons for them. She is a five-time All-Star and a two-time WNBA champion and has led the league in assists seven times.