Courtney Vandersloot has long been the Chicago Sky’s linchpin—her precision passing and relentless energy turned half-court sets into highlight reels and transformed teammates into stars.
At 36, the two-time WNBA champion defies conventional wisdom about athletic longevity, having rejoined her original Sky squad this year after a two-season stint with the New York Liberty and promptly etching her name deeper into franchise lore with milestone after milestone.
Yet, in a cruel twist during the June 7 matchup against the Indiana Fever, the veteran guard’s signature burst to the rim ended in agony. A non-contact collapse and an immediate, grim diagnosis.
Courtney Vandersloot Faces ACL Surgery and Long Road to Return
Vandersloot, the indomitable floor general whose cross-court laser passes and clutch scoring have become the lifeblood of the Chicago Sky franchise, encountered an abrupt halt to her spectacular season.
The injury occurred early in the first quarter at the United Center, where a record 19,496 fans witnessed Vandersloot drive hard to the basket, plant her right foot, and hear the telltale “pop” of a torn ligament.
She was immediately rushed off the court. Her pain was evident to the attending fans as medical staff carried her off the court. Her season? More likely over. An MRI the next day confirmed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, officially ending her 2025 campaign.
Breaking: Courtney Vandersloot has torn her right ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky announced. pic.twitter.com/ga1yNZWnLp
— espnW (@espnW) June 8, 2025
The Sky wasted no time in divulging the medical roadmap ahead. On June 8, the organization announced that Vandersloot will undergo reconstructive surgery “this week” to repair the torn ligament, commencing the first critical step toward what medical experts deem a long, arduous road back to professional basketball.
Following the procedure, she is expected to enter an initial immobilization phase, where the focus will be on reducing swelling and regaining the basic range of motion. From there, she will embark on a structured rehabilitation protocol designed to restore strength, stability, and proprioception.
Head coach Tyler Marsh advocated a cautious timeline, aiming for her healthy return, saying, “She’s our engine, she’s our captain and our leader out there. Obviously, it’s a huge blow.”
“Hopefully, it’s not as serious as we may think. We’re hoping that she’s able to bounce back. For the time being, we all gotta pick her up, we all gotta lift her up, we all gotta lift each other up,” Marsh said.
Chicago Sky Up in Storm Without Their Veteran Floor General
The Sky faces a daunting void in her absence. Chicago’s 2–5 start, already hampered by roster adjustments under Marsh. They now must contend without their veteran floor leader.
Vandersloot’s résumé highlights the magnitude of this setback. A two-time WNBA champion and five-time All-Star, she ranks second all-time in league assists (2,886) and holds the Sky’s franchise records for games played, 436, which is 19th in league history.
She also boasts a record of one of the highest steals (544), ranking her 15th on the list, along with a total of points (3,745). Through seven games this season, she averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals, anchoring Chicago’s offense with her unmatched court vision. She averaged 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for Windy City during the 2025 regular season.
Courtney Vandersloot won’t return to the game after this knee injury, praying for her 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mu3ENLGJ0F
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) June 8, 2025
The organization may explore short-term signings or trade options before the deadline to bolster backcourt depth, while existing players like Ariel Atkins and rookie Hailey Van Lith shoulder increased playmaking responsibilities. Moreover, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso will be called upon to bolster both ends of the floor as the team navigates this adversity.
Chicago had already lost to Indiana on June 7, as their scores stood 79-52 by the last buzzer. This was the Sky’s second loss to the Fever after their opening game on May 17. They are set to face the New York Liberty on June 10, a team which hasn’t lost a single game this season and stands dauntingly with an 8-0 stat.
Now, with Vandersloot out of the picture, concerns about Chicago’s ability to keep itself afloat this season loom in.
MORE: Chicago Sky 2025 WNBA Schedule: List of All Games, Key Matchups, and More
Meanwhile, Sky management has rallied around Vandersloot’s recovery, pledging organizational support. With meticulous rehab, unwavering organizational backing, and her hallmark mental toughness, the stage is set for her to defy the odds yet again.
