Hailey Van Lith, the former three-time All-American and 2025 first-round draft pick, has signed a developmental player contract with the Connecticut Sun just two days after being waived, the team announced Saturday. The move keeps the 24-year-old guard in Connecticut under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement, which allows teams to carry up to two developmental players with fewer than four years of experience. Van Lith, who averaged 8.1 points and 2.2 assists in limited action with the Sun after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago Sky earlier this season, now has a structured path to develop without the pressure of a full-season commitment.

The $750-per-week foundation of a second chance

Under the revised CBA, developmental players earn a base salary of $750 multiplied by the number of weeks in the regular season, with additional compensation possible through active game bonuses, as reported by ESPN. the contract allows Van Lith to participate in up to 12 regular-season games — or 25% of the schedule, whichever is greater — providing a stable platform after a rookie season that saw her average just 3.5 points and 12.4 minutes per game for the Sky before an ankle injury limited her to 29 appearances. According to the source, the financial terms are modest , but the structure gives Van Lith a chance to practice with the team and suit up for specific matchups, turning her focus from roster survival to skill refinement .

Why the 1-8 Sun became the right fit for an All-American

Despite the Sun's slow start to the season — a 1-8 record — Van Lith chose stability over immediate playing time from other suitors, a decision that analysts say reflects a broader trend among young players valuing developmental systems under the new CBA.. The Sun have invested heavily in player development and possess a strong coaching staff , as the report notes, which could help Van Lith bridge the gap from her college dominance — where she was Big 12 Player of the Year and starred at Louisville, LSU, and TCU — to consistent WNBA production. The move also underscores the Sun's strategy of securing young talent through the developmental mechanism, potentially locking in future core players even as the team struggles in the standings.

The 12-game window: what success looks like for Van Lith

The developmental contract limits Van Lith to a maximum of 12 regular-season games, raising specific questions about how the Sun will deploy her and whether she can stay healthy after her ankle injury. The source notes that multiple teams expressed interest after she was waived, but Van Lith decided Connecticut offered the best environment for immediate growth and long-term aspirations. What remains unverified is the exact state of her recovery — the source does not specify if she is fully cleared — and whether the active game bonuses will incentivize the Sun to use her in high-leverage minutes. With the team already out of playoff contention, the developmental deal may serve as a 12-game audition for next season, where Van Lith could earn a standard contract if she demonstrates she can translate her college pedigree into professional consistency.