So far, the preseason has provided Sky fans with room for optimism as they have been victorious in both of their matchups, defeating the Brazil National Team and the Minnesota Lynx in an impressive fashion. However, the 'Windy City' franchise must keep its feet firmly set on the ground and not elevate expectations to a level that it cannot attain.
The question is: What goals must be achieved to define the 2025 WNBA season as a success for the Sky?
Clinching a playoff berth is essential
Supporters had to endure a turbulent campaign in 2024 in which Chicago stuttered to an uninspiring 13 wins. Nevertheless, the front office acted swiftly to transform the fortunes of the 2021 WNBA champions as they relieved former head coach Teresa Weatherspoon of her duties and replaced her with the former Las Vegas Aces head of player development, Tyler Marsh.
Alongside a reshuffle in the coaching department, the roster has received a much-needed makeover in an attempt to ignite an offense that was stagnant during the previous year - scoring a disappointing offensive rating of 97. With the acquisition of the illustrious playmaker Courtney Vandersloot and deadly sharpshooter Ariel Atkins, Marsh will be hoping he has all the tools to manufacture an identity that opponents come to fear.
Preseason cannot be taken as a true reflection of a roster's capabilities, but Chicago has showcased that a distinct style of play has been implemented by their rookie head coach. The Sky appears to run a quicker transition offense and are now shooting a higher volume of 3-point attempts — an average of 29 in their first two fixtures compared to 14.9 per game in 2024 — which has created more space for the deadly duo Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso to impose themselves in the paint.
With signs of improvement throughout the squad, ambitions have to stay realistic but also display progression. Clinching the 8th seed and allowing superstar Reese to experience the wild WNBA playoffs will be vital as she looks to reach her unlimited potential. However, an 8th-place finish in the regular standings would see the 'Windy City' likely face the reigning champions, New York Liberty, or the resurgent Las Vegas Aces, so an early exit in the postseason should not be seen as a failure.
The development of young stars must be prioritized
Chicago has now created one of the most intriguing young cores in the league - selecting Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft to complement the exciting Reese and Cardoso. The franchise must improve on its regular-season record, but that cannot result in the development of a potential 'big three' being neglected.
This team is not ready to challenge for the WNBA championship in the postseason, meaning that success and progression cannot solely be measured by the number of wins they can chalk up. The Sky must aim to build a rapport between these three talents while creating an environment for Maddy Westbeld - the 16th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft - to also develop her compelling skillset and find a role in the rotation.
Van Lith has already shown her new employers that she is a ready-made replacement for Vandersloot when she is not gracing the court with her legendary presence. The dynamic rookie has registered 5 assists in both of her preseason appearances, unveiling her impressive playmaking abilities to the unfortunate fans who were not lucky enough to observe the 2025 'Big 12 Player of the Year' during her senior year at TCU.
Tyler Marsh will have a responsibility to not only provide the Chicago fanbase with a team they can be proud of this year, but he must lay the foundations for a side that can compete for the WNBA title for years to come.