COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT

Everybody better get in, because we’re building super-teams in the WNBA. And that makes it an exciting one for the WNBA that will accelerate its upward growth and entice more casual fans. Already the chatter around WNBA free agency has been bigger than ever before. Vandersloot (6.5 apg) and Ionescu (6.3 apg) ranked second and third in assists, respectively. Parker, Wilson and Plum were all first-teamers last year.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Courtney Vandersloot became the latest star to join the New York Liberty. Vandersloot, who had played her entire 12-year career with the Chicago Sky, announced Thursday on social media that she would play with the Liberty this season, a day after Breanna Stewart said she'd play in New York. The moves give New York a potent lineup, with Stewart, Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney and Jonquel Jones making the Liberty an instant championship contender. Vandersloot had announced late Tuesday on social media that she wasn’t returning to Chicago. Stewart and Vandersloot currently are playing together in Turkey.

Courtney Vandersloot became the latest star to join the New York Liberty.

The WNBA is going to have a pair of extraordinarily good teams next year. Former Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot announced Thursday that she is signing with the New York Liberty, giving the team a third 2022 All-WNBA after previously adding Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. #BREAKING Courtney Vandersloot is signing with the New York Liberty🗽✍🏼 — Courtney Vandersloot (@Sloot22) February 2, 2023This story will be updated with more information.

Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today.

Candace Parker announced on Instagram on Saturday that she is signing with the Las Vegas Aces, ending her two-year run with the Chicago Sky.

The other name that might prompt the largest cannonball is Breanna Stewart, who is a free agent again after signing a one-year deal. The moves most impact the Liberty, where Stewart met with front-office personnel as a free agent last season. Taurasi, 41, said in November she intends to return for a 19th WNBA season. Vandersloot, 33, reportedly took meetings with the Sky, Storm and Lynx as a free agent last year. Tina Charles, 34, is a free agent again and still seeking that elusive championship ring.

WNBA stars have for years spent their offseasons playing in Russian pro leagues, lured by seven-figure paydays that trump their salaries back home. With Brittney Griner detained in a Russian prison and the war in Ukraine still raging, WNBA players are sitting this season out. Breanna Stewart, a four-time WNBA All-Star and a former teammate of Griner's on Russia's UMMC Ekaterinburg, explained her decision to the Associated Press. It's easy to understand why WNBA stars made the offseason trek to Russia on a yearly basis. Commissioner Cathy Englebert addressed the issue ahead of the recently concluded WNBA Finals while calling Griner's ongoing detainment "unacceptable."

WNBA players often compete in Russia because of the high salaries, but they are skipping out due to Brittney Griner's imprisonment.

SYDNEY — (AP) — Brittney Griner's highly publicized legal woes in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine has the top WNBA players opting to take their talents elsewhere this offseason. For the past few decades, Russia has been the preferred offseason destination for WNBA players to compete because of the high salaries that can exceed $1 million and the resources and amenities teams offered them. Nearly a dozen WNBA players competed in Russia last winter and none of them are heading back this year. Like Stewart, Vandersloot also isn't headed back to Russia, choosing to play in Hungary where she obtained citizenship in 2016. The Griner situation also is weighing heavily on the minds of young WNBA players.

SYDNEY — (AP) — Brittney Griner's highly publicized legal woes in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine has the top WNBA players opting to take their talents elsewhere this offseason. For the past few decades, Russia has been the preferred offseason destination for WNBA players to compete because of the high salaries that can exceed $1 million and the resources and amenities teams offered them. Nearly a dozen WNBA players competed in Russia last winter and none of them are heading back this year. Like Stewart, Vandersloot also isn't headed back to Russia, choosing to play in Hungary where she obtained citizenship in 2016. The Griner situation also is weighing heavily on the minds of young WNBA players.

Top WNBA players are finding other places to compete this winter, not wanting to go back to Russia after the arrest and conviction of Brittney Griner on drug possession charges and the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Brittney Griner's highly publicized legal woes in Russia and the country's invasion of Ukraine has the top WNBA players opting to take their talents elsewhere this offseason. For the past few decades, Russia has been the preferred offseason destination for WNBA players to compete because of the high salaries that can exceed $1 million – nearly quadruple the base salary of top WNBA players -- and the resources and amenities teams offered them. “Honestly my time in Russia has been wonderful, but especially with BG still wrongfully detained there, nobody’s going to go there until she’s home,” said Breanna Stewart, a Griner teammate on the Russian team that paid the duo millions.

Candace Parker had 16 points and 11 rebounds while Kahleah Copper added 15 points and the Chicago Sky beat the Connecticut Sun 76-72 in Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs semifinals.

Chicago and Connecticut are no strangers to meeting in the postseason, having met now for three straight years. They'll face each other in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs when the best-of-five series tips off on Sunday in Chicago. The Sky won last season's playoff series 3-1 on their way to the championship and followed that up this year by going 4-0 during the regular season against Connecticut. “I think we probably snuck away with a couple games maybe we shouldn’t have won and we did," Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot said. Last season, Chicago won despite being the lower seed.

Defending WNBA champion Chicago and Connecticut meet Sunday in the WNBA playoffs for the third straight year and a second straight time in the semifinals.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Candace Parker had 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Chicago Sky over the New York Liberty 90-72 Tuesday night in the deciding Game 3 to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs. Allie Quigley and Kahleah Copper each added 15 points while Courtney Vandersloot had 14 points and 10 assists for the second-seeded Sky. Chicago has now won four consecutive elimination games dating to back-to-back single-elimination games last year en route to the franchise's first WNBA championship. Chicago routed New York by a WNBA playoffs record 38 points in the second game, racing out to a 31-10 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. Chicago led 25-20 after one and extended the advantage to 54-42 at the half as Parker had seven points, six assists and seven rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.

Candace Parker had 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Chicago Sky over the New York Liberty 90-72 in the deciding Game 3 to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.

CHICAGO — (AP) — Kahleah Copper scored 20 points and Courtney Vandersloot added 16 to help Chicago to a record rout of New York 100-62, tying the first-round playoff series Saturday and forcing a decisive Game 3. The teams will play on Tuesday in New York with a trip to the WNBA semifinals at stake. Chicago won by 36 at home in Game 3 of the Finals last year. The defending champion Sky took it right at New York behind Copper, who scored the team's first five points. New York could get no closer in the second half as the Sky kept it going offensively and defensively.

Kahleah Copper scored 20 points and Courtney Vandersloot added 16 to help Chicago to a record rout of New York 100-62 to even the first-round WNBA playoffs series and force a decisive Game 3.

(Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP) (SEAN D. ELLIOT)The WNBA playoff race is still very much undecided with just two weeks left in the regular season. Five teams have clinched postseason berths with only three games separating Chicago, Las Vegas and Connecticut at the top of the standings. They have a four-game homestand before finishing the season on the road, including a matchup against the team chasing them — Las Vegas. Las Vegas (22-8): The Aces have three games left — all on the road. Connecticut (20-10): The Sun have two losses since the All-Star break, those setbacks were against Las Vegas and Chicago.

The WNBA playoff picture is still unclear with two weeks left in the regular season.

Las Vegas Aces' Kelsey Plum (10) scores past Chicago Sky's Azura Stevens during the first half of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup basketball game Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)In a battle of the WNBA's two best teams, the Las Vegas Aces raced out to a huge early lead then held off a Chicago Sky rally to win the Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday. Back-to-back and-1s by Kahleah Copper cut the Aces lead from 56-42 to 56-48 midway through the third quarter. In addition to the Cup victory, the win could end up playing a factor in home-court advantage if the Aces and Sky ultimately meed in the Finals. All-Star Game MVP Kelsey Plum led the way for Las Vegas with 24 points, six assists and two steals.

The New York Liberty are currently two games out of a spot in the WNBA playoffs.

And Meesseman signed in free agency to play for the Chicago Sky alongside Vandersloot and Quigley. The Sky players have a similar chance at collecting hardware, though not as condensed as in Europe. In the span of 11 months, the Sky could win two WNBA championships and a Commissioner's Cup title. Charity of choice: The WNBA, WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) and teams selected organizations in each market that are tied to voting rights, registrations and advocacy. The game was the first WNBA game after the five-week Olympic break.

The Las Vegas Aces have come out of the All-Star break on a roll, winning three road games and scoring more than 100 points in two of victories.

A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and the rest of the WNBA All-Stars lined up along the sideline after halftime, the No. 42 and the name Griner on the back of all of their jerseys.

Wintrust Arena is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. But before Sunday’s game, there are plenty of events — and we are tracking it all.

Allie Quigley has won the WNBA 3-Point Contest for a record fourth time by putting together a perfect final rack.

From Brittney Griner’s detention to fighting for LGBTQ and reproductive rights, WNBA players balance activist roles at All-Star weekend.

Sky Aces Basketball Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) drives around Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)NEW YORK — (AP) — Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper and Emma Meesseman will get a chance to play before their home fans, as the trio was selected Tuesday as reserves for the WNBA All-Star Game on July 10 in Chicago. But Diana Taurasi won’t be in Chicago, left off the All-Star list for the first time in her career when healthy. Jones is the only player to make the All-Star Game this season while coming off the bench. Chicago's James Wade will coach one team, while Las Vegas' Becky Hammon will lead the other.

Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper and Emma Meesseman will get a chance to play before their home fans as the trio was selected as reserves for the WNBA All-Star Game on July 10 in Chicago.

Sky Aces Basketball Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) shoots against Chicago Sky forward Emma Meesseman (33) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher)Kelsey Plum views her improved play this season to just having more time on the court. The Las Vegas guard is averaging a career-high 20.7 points and 5.7 assists this year to help the Aces to the best record in the league. Liz Cambage reached double-figures scoring for the first time this month in Monday’s loss to Las Vegas. She averaged 18.3 points, 5 assists and 3.7 rebounds to help the Sky win all three of their games.

Kelsey Plum views her improved play this season to just having more time on the court.

Becky Hammon vowed before the season tipped off that the Las Vegas Aces would be shooting more 3-poitners this year.

Brittney Griner's initials and jersey number will be emblazoned on the sidelines of all 12 WNBA courts.

International Players Basketball FILE - China's Han Xu (15) shoots over Serbia's Tina Krajisnik during a women's basketball quarterfinal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Han feels more ready to play in the WNBA and is one of 21 international players on opening day rosters from countries all over the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Canada and Japan. “During the past few years, she gained a lot of confidence and now is trying not to be in her head when she plays basketball,” Han said via interpreter. First-year Liberty coach Sandy Brondello has seen Han play many times overseas with China and is happy to have her back in New York. She returned to the U.S. earlier than usual this offseason after all the WNBA players left Russia because of the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Han Xu feels much more comfortable in her second WNBA stint with the New York Liberty.

Han Xu feels much more comfortable in her second WNBA stint with the New York Liberty. The 6-foot-10 center from China missed the last two WNBA seasons. Now the 22-year-old Han is back in New York after growing an inch.

Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle has thanked everyone for their support of the WNBA star, who was arrested last month in Russia.

Russia has been a popular destination for WNBA players like Brittney Griner over the past two decades because of the money they can make playing there in the winter.

WNBA Finals Basketball Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) shoots against Chicago Sky's Azura Stevens (30) during the first half of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists and Chicago beat the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 on Sunday in Game 4. Chicago scored the next nine points to take a two-point lead on Stefanie Dolson's layup. “Their defense went to another level trapping BG,” Phoenix coach Sandy Brondello said. ... Phoenix had been 4-0 in the WNBA Finals after losses until Sunday's defeat.

WNBA Finals Basketball Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) shoots against Chicago Sky's Azura Stevens (30) during the first half of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)CHICAGO — (AP) — Candace Parker returned home to bring Chicago a championship. Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists and Chicago beat the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 on Sunday in Game 4. Chicago scored the next nine points to take a two-point lead on Stefanie Dolson's layup. ... Phoenix had been 4-0 in the WNBA Finals after losses until Sunday's defeat.

Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Candace Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to help Chicago win its first WNBA championship with a 80-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Kahleah Copper scored 20 of her 22 points in the first half and Chicago used a dominant defensive effort to reach a record rout of the Phoenix Mercury 86-50, moving the Sky one victory away from the franchise’s first WNBA title.

Kahleah Copper scored 21 points, Allie Quigley added 18 and the hot-shooting Chicago Sky opened the WNBA Finals with a 91-77 win over the Phoenix Mercury.

The WNBA semifinal playoff series are knotted at a game apiece and both could go the full five games based on the historic and gritty performances thus far.

With the game tied at 93, Candace Parker scored on a layup off a neat pass from Vandersloot for her record-breaking assist. Connecticut couldn't recover, scoring only its second basket of the second OT on Brionna Jones' jumper with 13.7 seconds left that made it 98-95. With the game tied at 91 in the first OT, the Sky dribbled the clock down before Brionna Jones stole the ball. I want to be visible,” said Miller, who was honored as the league's Coach of the Year for the second time in his career. “I didn't want to be the gay coach," he said.

Arike Ogunbowale scored 26 points and the WNBA All-Star team beat the U.S. Olympic team 93-85 in the league’s All-Star Game.

(AP Photo/Eileen T. Meslar) (Eileen T. Meslar)NEW YORK — (AP) — The Chicago Sky are at full strength and moving up the WNBA standings after injuries got them off to a slow start. Chicago (7-7) has won five in a row heading into Tuesday night's road game in New York. Buoyed by the winning streak, the Sky vaulted up to third from 10th in the AP power poll this week. Chicago (7-7): Courtney Vandersloot is averaging 12.1 points and a WNBA-best 8.5 assists. She’s played in just four games this season, averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds9.

The Chicago Sky are at full strength and moving up the WNBA standings after a slow start due to injuries.

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)CHICAGO – Candace Parker talked about seeing her grandmother hold up the newspaper during their call, thrilled she is coming home to play for the Chicago Sky. “I'm so excited to be home and I say that from the bottom of my heart,” Parker said during a Zoom conference Tuesday. “When she decided, she told me even before, ‘If I come, I’m coming to ball,'” he said. She said she started thinking about playing for the Sky a few weeks ago and would not have left Los Angeles for any other team. “(I) have obviously evolved, and a lot of it had to do with me living in Knoxville and me living in Los Angeles and Russia and Istanbul and China.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Wednesday, Jan. 27, because no official announcement is allowed until Feb. 1. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)Candace Parker is headed home and Kayla McBride is getting a fresh start in Minnesota. that she would be signing with the Lynx once free agents can officially ink deals Monday. Nearly 75% of the players on the Sparks' roster are free agents. That’s led to increased player movement from our roster.”Two players who are free agents but won't be moving are Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.