The 2018 Chicago Sky season was the franchise’s 13th season in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team competed in the Eastern Conference and played its home games at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
Season overview
- Regular‑season record: 13 wins – 21 losses (13–21)
- Conference standing: 4th place in the Eastern Conference (did not qualify for the playoffs)
- Head coach: Amber Stocks began the season as head coach; she was relieved of her duties on June 4, 2018. Assistant coach Alisha Thomas served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Key transactions
- Candace Parker trade (March 1, 2018): The Sky traded All‑Star forward Candace Parker and a 2018 second‑round draft pick to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for the Sparks’ 2018 first‑round pick (4th overall), 2019 first‑round pick, and a 2020 second‑round pick.
- 2018 WNBA Draft: Chicago selected Alaina Coates with the 5th overall pick in the first round. In the second round, the Sky chose Diamond DeShields (12th overall) after acquiring the pick via the Parker trade.
Roster highlights
- Allie Quigley – Guard, led the team in scoring with 12.1 points per game and was selected to the 2018 WNBA All‑Star Game.
- Courtney Vandersloot – Guard, led the league in assists (7.5 per game) and set a WNBA single‑season record for total assists (251).
- Alaina Coates – Center, rookie who contributed 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Statistical leaders (team)
| Category | Player | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | Allie Quigley | 12.1 |
| Assists per game | Courtney Vandersloot | 7.5 |
| Rebounds per game | Alaina Coates | 5.5 |
| Minutes per game | Allie Quigley | 31.5 |
Season summary
The Sky entered the 2018 season after a 2017 campaign in which they missed the postseason for the first time since 2013. The offseason trade of Candace Parker marked a significant roster shift, emphasizing a rebuilding approach centered on younger talent such as Coates and DeShields. Despite strong play from Quigley and league‑leading playmaking by Vandersloot, Chicago’s overall performance fell short of a playoff berth. The team’s 13–21 record placed them fourth in the Eastern Conference, three games behind the third‑place Connecticut Sun, the final playoff spot.
Post‑season
The Sky did not qualify for the 2018 WNBA playoffs. Following the season, the organization hired former WNBA player and assistant coach James Wade as the new head coach for the 2019 season.
References
- WNBA official statistics, 2018 season.
- Chicago Sky press releases, March 2018 (trade of Candace Parker) and June 4, 2018 (coaching change).
- 2018 WNBA Draft results, WNBA.com.
All information is drawn from verifiable league records and team announcements.
