The Chicago Sky has built a team that mixes veteran experience with rising stars. This balanced roster sets them up for a strong run in the 2025 WNBA season. But in the early portion of the season, they find themselves struggling with one of the league’s worst records.
With Ariel Atkins leading the charge, Chicago is looking to make strides, but the Sky’s season has started off in rocky fashion. They currently have a 2-5 record, including 0-3 at home.
However, the team’s payroll suggests the Sky has a number of capable impact players. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paid players on the Chicago Sky roster for the 2025 season.
The Top 5 Highest-Paid Players on the Chicago Sky
5) Kia Nurse, PG | $145,000
Kia Nurse, a versatile guard famous for her defensive toughness and three-point accuracy, signed a one-year deal worth $145,000, making her the fifth-highest-paid player on the Chicago Sky roster.
The Canadian standout has already played seven games this season, averaging 7.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. She’s been working to find her rhythm, but the start hasn’t been what fans hoped for. Like the team’s current situation, her numbers are a bit below her usual level.
4) Moriah Jefferson, G | $145,500
Moriah Jefferson is one of the most exciting guards in the league. Known for her quickness, smart passing, and sharp defense, she brings a lot to the court. She signed a one-year deal worth $145,500, making her the third-highest-paid player on the Chicago Sky roster. Her full contract spans three years, totaling $424,500.
Now in her 10th WNBA season, Jefferson brings plenty of experience. This will be her second year with the Sky, where she played 14 games last season. Sadly, the Sky has missed her presence this year due to a leg injury.
Chicago Sky Status Report
Moriah Jefferson (leg) is OUT
— Karli Bell (@KarliBell33) June 6, 2025
She could make a big impact on the team’s results if she were fit. Unfortunately, the #4 Guard missed all the first seven games of the season and is still listed as questionable for upcoming matches.
3) Rebecca Allen, G | $160,000
Rebecca Allen ranks third on the list. She is a versatile guard known for her sharp three-point shooting and strong defense. She signed a 2-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury worth $320,000, fully guaranteed, with an average salary of $160,000 per year.
This season, the 6’2″ guard has suited up for all seven games since being traded to the Sky. She has averaged 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. Alongside Jefferson, she stands out as one of the team’s top veterans. So, expectations are also quite high.
But she’s still searching for the right rhythm to make a real impact. As a result, her veteran presence has yet to turn things around.
2) Courtney Vandersloot, PG | $185,000
Here comes the second-highest-paid player, Courtney Vandersloot. She signed a one-year contract worth $185,000, making her the highest-paid player on the Chicago Sky roster this season.
As a true WNBA veteran, Vandersloot has already played seven games, putting up 10.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. With 14 years of experience, she should bring leadership and stability to Chicago, but her veteran presence has yet to shine in any of the recent games
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
But before she could shine, she tore her right ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season, the Chicago Sky announced.
1) Ariel Atkins, PG | $200,000
Ariel Atkins tops the list as the highest-paid player of the team. Her strong two-way game makes her a key piece on the court. The 28-year-old is in the final year of her $200,000 deal, which originally came from a two-year, $400,000 extension with the Washington Mystics. Later, she was traded to the Sky.
This season, Atkins has played seven games, averaging 13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. She is leading the charge for the Chicago Sky, shooting an impressive 40.0% from three-point range and 43.2% from the field.