The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Oct. 31. If the league and players don’t reach a new deal by then, a work stoppage could begin.

In a poll published Thursday by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman of The Athletic, a plurality of players voted the Sky as the worst-run organization in the league. With 40.7% of votes received, Chicago beat out the Connecticut Sun (29.6%), Los Angeles Sparks (14.8%) and Dallas Wings (7.4%).

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

The Chicago Sky are back in the hunt for a playoff spot, but still need a big backcourt upgrade to get it done.

Chicago Sky guard Ariel Atkins announced Monday she will no longer compete in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, which had its debut season this year, in the league's 2026 season and will instead play for Athletes Unlimited, marking a WNBA midseason switch.

The WNBA is celebrating the halfway mark of the 2025 season this weekend in Indianapolis, but looming labor issues could dampen spirits. The big picture: The WNBA is the hottest brand in pro sports. Owners who in the early aughts struggled to find investors for their distressed assets are now clamoring for a piece of a rapidly expanding pie.

With patience and persistence, the Chicago Sky managed to hold off one of the best teams in the league and make a huge statement in the process.