Chicago Sky finalizes roster as WNBA preseason ends, with Ionescu and rookies like Van Lith shining bright.

The 2025 WNBA preseason has wrapped up, with teams finalizing their rosters ahead of the regular season tip-off on Friday. The Chicago Sky made significant moves, securing their 12-player roster while waiving Australian guard Alex Wilson and 2024 second-round draft pick Jessika Carter. They welcomed 2025 rookies Hailey Van Lith from TCU and Maddy Westbeld from Notre Dame, who were the No. 11 and No. 16 overall draft picks, respectively.

This year’s rookie class has shown impressive potential, with all first-round picks making the final rosters. Notably, second-round pick Te-Hina PaoPao from the Atlanta Dream scored 14 points in a recent preseason game, showcasing the talent emerging in the league.

The final preseason matchup featured the reigning champion New York Liberty against Japan`s Toyota Antelopes, with Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu and Nyara Sabally returning to their University of Oregon roots for the game, which will be broadcast live on WNBA League Pass. The upcoming 2025 season promises to be highly competitive, with the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces dominating recent championships.

Fan engagement continues to surge, with average ticket prices for the WNBA All-Star Game reaching $533, highlighting the growing popularity of the league. As the season unfolds, the anticipation of a new collective bargaining agreement looms, promising to shape the future of the WNBA.

For more details on the WNBA preseason, visit WNBA preseason and for the latest updates, check out WNBA.

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