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Expert predicts Hailey Van Lith's next big move after Sun waiver due to roster issues
Hailey Van Lith was waived again by the Connecticut Sun, though experts say she could return.
Hailey Van Lith was one of the stars in the Connecticut Sun squad, with her presence alone drawing many to watch the team play. Sun fans are excited about Leïla Lacan's return, but they want Van Lith, too.
But that was apparently what was not possible for the Sun backroom, as reports suggest that Hailey Van Lith was waived because the roster was “too crowded” after Lacan's return. That meant a personal setback for the guard as it marked the second time has been waived.
But the Connecticut Suns could still keep Hailey Lith if they want to, a WNBA expert has revealed. Writing for The Win of USA Today, Cory Woodroof said that there is still a way for Van Lith to be a part of the Sun roster if the team really wanted to keep her. If not, she has other options.
Woodroof explained that the Sun may bring back Hailey Van Lith on a development contract. But it remains to be seen if she would be willing to accept that if an offer to be part of another WNBA team's 12-woman squad comes. If not, she will look to get a developmental contract with another team.
Why Hailey Van Lith Remains A Top Prospect
Hailey Van Lith has been key to the Connecticut Sun roster this season, so far. But the 23-year-old's production across her two seasons in the WNBA has been less than ideal.
In the 2025-26 season, she played 29 games for the Chicago Sky, averaging 12.4 minutes per game. Her production was less than average, as she logged just 3.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists. But this season, it has improved significantly.
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Playing for the Sun, Van Lith has averaged 8.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in the nine games she has played. She has also been seeing more minutes per game than she did at Sky, averaging just over 17.
But beyond her numbers, she is a crowd-puller. When in college at TCU, she had an NIL valuation of approximately $779,000 per year, which made her one of the top college basketball players in terms of NIL earnings.
That continued into the WNBA. She now earns a significant sum through endorsements and commercial partnerships.
Van Lith has over 1.3 million followers on Instagram and has a reported net worth of between $1 million to $5 million.
