Sydney Taylor's breakout season sets up Sky's future

The undrafted guard has become a star in the making, and both she and the Sky want to build something long-term in Chicago.

Sep 17, 2026

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Sydney Taylor's breakout season sets up Sky's future

The undrafted guard has become a star in the making, and both she and the Sky want to build something long-term in Chicago.

In brief

The undrafted guard has become a star in the making, and both she and the Sky want to build something long-term in Chicago. Sydney Taylor went from undrafted minimum-contract signing to emerging star, and she's committed to staying with the Sky for years to come. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.

From undrafted to star in the making

Sydney Taylor signed a one-year minimum contract with the Sky as an undrafted guard. One breakout season later, she's in line for a much bigger payday.

The long road to the WNBA

Before joining the Sky, the 25-year-old spent two years playing professional basketball in Poland and Lithuania, a mid-major player working her way up.

Reserved free agent status

Taylor will become a restricted free agent after this season, meaning she can only negotiate with the Sky, giving the team control over her future.

Taylor wants to stay long-term

Taylor told the Sun-Times she wants a multi-year contract and would love to stay in Chicago and play for the Sky as long as possible.

“A long-term contract would be really nice. I would love to stay in Chicago and play for a while, as long as I can.”

A win for the struggling Sky

The Sky traded Angel Reese and signed veteran Skylar Diggins this offseason but will miss the playoffs for the third straight year. Taylor's emergence helps offset those disappointments.

Rookie scoring leader among guards

Taylor ranks third among rookies in scoring at 13.8 points per game and has become one of the league's most reliable three-point shooters.

Elite shooting on display

Since entering the starting lineup, Taylor averages 16 points and shoots 36.7% from three-point range, becoming the first WNBA player since 2022 to hit multiple buzzer-beaters in one season.

The athleticism to become elite

Taylor has the athleticism, talent and confidence to develop into one of the league's elite shooting guards, a position where elite options are scarce.

Coach Marsh wants her long-term

Sky coach Tyler Marsh said Taylor has earned a long-term future with the team and that the organization, fans and teammates all want to keep her in a Sky jersey.

“She's hopefully here for a long time. She's earned that. We want to keep her in a Sky jersey for as long as possible.”

Offseason plans still uncertain

Taylor had signed with Turkish club Galatasaray in June but now says she will most likely stay in the United States, though she declined to explain what changed.

Unrivaled could be an option

The three-on-three league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier could interest Taylor, who excelled with USA Basketball's under-23 team, though the league is nearly full.

Marsh's offseason priorities

Coach Marsh wants Taylor to balance her outside shooting with her downhill speed and continue developing as a playmaker to create opportunities for teammates.

Healthy and ready to finish strong

After recovering from a groin injury and a brief slump, Taylor says she feels 100% healthy and expects no minutes restrictions in the final week of the regular season.

In short

Sydney Taylor went from undrafted minimum-contract signing to emerging star, and she's committed to staying with the Sky for years to come.

Read the original on Chicago Sun-Times

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