Why Hailey Van Lith is returning to Sun

The Connecticut Sun announced on Saturday, that guard Hailey Van Lith has signed a developmental player contract with the franchise.

Van Lith was waived by Connecticut on Thursday when the team activated guard Leila Lacan, who returned from overseas duties after helping Basket Landes win the 2026 French La Boulangere Wonderligue title and earning Finals MVP honors. Two days later, the Sun brought her back under the league’s developmental roster rules. Although Van Lith had other options to consider, she felt that “staying in Connecticut right now is the best fit both for her immediate development and her long-term goals,” according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, WNBA teams are allowed two developmental roster spots for players with fewer than four years of service. Those players may appear in a maximum of 12 games, or up to 25% of the regular season if the schedule expands, and receive a base salary calculated at $750 multiplied by the number of regular-season weeks, plus game bonuses.

Van Lith was originally selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. She played 29 games in her rookie season, averaging 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.4 minutes per game while dealing with an ankle injury. She shot 33.9% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range during that season.

After being waived by the Sky on May 4, Van Lith was claimed by Connecticut two days later and immediately became part of the Sun rotation. She has appeared in nine games and started three so far this season, averaging 8.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.6 minutes while shooting 49.2% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range. Her best performance with Connecticut came on May 15 against the Las Vegas Aces, when she recorded 17 points on 63.6% shooting, along with four assists.

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