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.

The five-time All-Star was unable to return to the game, which led to Chicago coach Tyler Marsh turning to rookie Hailey Van Lith to fill the void. The No. 11 pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft started for Chicago in the second half but did little to impact the game.