The Chicago Sky's new mascot will debut this week

Sky Guy, pictured above, has been the official mascot of the Chicago Sky since 2006, but his reign in the air ends Wednesday when Skye the Lioness takes his place courtside. Skye will make her first appearance when the Sky host the Washington Mystics in a game that has taken on substantial playoff implications.

Skye will wear #00 and sport short blue dreadlocks, a rarity in the animal kingdom. In a press release, the team said the lioness was chosen "to embody strength, feminine power, grace, and the courage to overcome obstacles, qualities that the Chicago Sky consistently showcase." The statement went on to cite the lioness' tendencies to nurture and defend her pack as reasons she was chosen as the new mascot. Lion statues stand guard at the Art Institute of Chicago, and were festooned with Sky jerseys following the team's 2021 WNBA Championship win.

Following her Wintrust Arena debut, Skye will make promotional appearances at the Art Institute, Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos, and other popular city locations. Sky Guy will stay on to share his experience and lend moral support to Skye, and she will be featured in new team merchandise.

Skye was designed by Tom Sapp of Real Characters, Inc.., who also created the official mascots for the NBA's Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks. Her costume was crafted by Randy Carfagno of Randy Carfagno Productions, who also made New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant.

Sky Chief Marketing Officer Tania Haladner thanked that crew for their work before also extending gratitude to Sky Guy for his contributions. "We also appreciate Sky Guy for his years of service and his commitment to sharing his expertise with Skye."