In a move that has WNBA fans scratching their heads and cheering at the same time, Hailey Van Lith is returning to the Connecticut Sun just days after being waived. The team announced Saturday that the former Louisville, LSU, and TCU standout has signed a developmental contract, bringing her back into the fold after a brief and confusing exit.
Van Lith, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, has had a rollercoaster journey in the league. After being waived by the Sky before the 2026 season, she landed with the Sun on a training camp deal and eventually made the roster. But just two days ago, the Sun released her to activate guard Leila Lacan, leaving fans wondering what was next for the promising guard.
The answer came quickly. The Sun announced Van Lith's return on a developmental contract, a move that allows the team to keep her on the roster while providing flexibility. In a press release, the team stated, "Today, the Connecticut Sun announced that the team has signed Hailey Van Lith to a developmental contract. Per team policy, details of the contract were not released."
Van Lith's time with the Sun this season has been solid. In nine games, including three starts, she averaged 8.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17.6 minutes per game. She also set new career highs with 17 points, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Those numbers show a player who is finding her rhythm in the league, even as she navigates the uncertainty of roster moves.
Fans took to social media to express a mix of excitement and confusion. One fan exclaimed, "We left that developmental spot open for a reason. Welcome Back HVL!" Another cheered, "HELL YEAHHHH!!!! Like she never left!!!☀️☀️☀️" But not everyone was on board. "???? why y’all playin with her like that," one user asked, while another laughed, "Can someone please explain to me what the actual f—k is going on???? Like whattttt?! lol"
The quick turnaround echoes the recent up-and-down nature of Van Lith's WNBA journey. After being drafted by the Sky, she struggled with an ankle injury that limited her to 29 games, averaging just 3.5 points and 12.4 minutes. Her classy exit from Chicago earned her respect around the league, but the road to a stable roster spot has been anything but smooth.
For the Sun, the timing of this move is critical. Connecticut has stumbled to a 2-8 start, the worst record in the league, and they face the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday. Adding a player like Van Lith, who has shown flashes of scoring ability and energy, could provide a spark off the bench. The developmental contract also gives the team flexibility to evaluate her long-term potential without a major commitment.
Van Lith's return also highlights the unique roster dynamics in the WNBA, where developmental contracts allow teams to keep promising players on the roster while managing salary cap and roster limits. For fans, it's a reminder that the league's business side can lead to surprising twists, even for players who have already shown they can compete at this level.
As Van Lith gets ready to suit up again for the Sun, the question remains: can she carve out a consistent role and help turn around a struggling team? Her early-season release from Chicago was a setback, but her quick return to Connecticut suggests she still has plenty of believers. For now, the Sun and their fans are just happy to have her back in the fold.
