The Chicago Sky are facing a time-sensitive roster decision involving forward Chloe Bibby. Minnesota has reportedly offered Bibby a standard WNBA contract, but Chicago maintains the right of first refusal because she is currently with the Sky as a developmental player. That gives the organization an opportunity to keep the 28-year-old before she potentially leaves for one of the league’s top teams.
Bibby has only appeared in four games for Chicago this season, but she has provided encouraging production when given meaningful minutes. With the Sky still trying to establish consistency and develop their roster during the 2026 season, the front office must now determine whether Bibby is part of its plans or whether it is willing to let her continue her career with the Minnesota Lynx.
Minnesota Lynx Make Offer to Chloe Bibby
ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou reported Friday that Minnesota offered Bibby a standard contract.
“The Minnesota Lynx have offered Chicago Sky developmental player Chloe Bibby a standard contract; Sky have right of first refusal and must decide by tomorrow whether to retain her,” Philippou wrote.
That leaves Chicago with a clear choice. The Sky can match the opportunity and retain Bibby, or they can decline and allow her to join Minnesota.
The decision must reportedly be made by Saturday.
A standard contract would provide Bibby with greater roster security than her current developmental arrangement. It would also give Minnesota another versatile forward as the Lynx continue strengthening their roster for the second half of the season.
Bibby Has Made an Impact in Limited Minutes
Bibby has appeared in four games for the Sky this season, averaging 5.5 points, 1.5 assists and 0.5 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.
Her best performance came July 15 against the Seattle Storm. Bibby scored 14 points and added four assists in 19 minutes during Chicago’s 95-90 victory.
She also delivered another productive outing Thursday against the Connecticut Sun, finishing with eight points, two assists, one rebound, one steal and one block in 18 minutes. Bibby shot 3-of-7 from the field and connected on one of her two attempts from beyond the arc as the Sky earned a 94-88 win.
Those performances have shown that Bibby can provide floor spacing and secondary playmaking when called upon.
The 6-foot-2 forward is shooting 40% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range this season. Over 18 career appearances, she has averaged 4.9 points and shot 38.9% from deep.
Sky Must Consider Roster Value and Future Potential
Chicago’s decision goes beyond four games of production.
The Sky are 10-18 and remain in the middle of a developmental season. Retaining players who can grow into reliable rotation roles should remain a priority, particularly when those players have shown the ability to contribute without requiring heavy usage.
Bibby has demonstrated that she can step into the rotation, stretch the floor and make quick decisions with the ball. She could also provide insurance behind forwards Azura Stevens, Maddy Westbeld and Rickea Jackson.
However, roster spots and salary flexibility are valuable, and Chicago may decide it cannot guarantee Bibby the role Minnesota appears prepared to offer.
For the Lynx, the interest makes sense. Bibby’s shooting and size could fit around a veteran roster, while her ability to contribute in limited minutes would give Minnesota another dependable option off the bench.
Chicago now has until Saturday to decide whether Bibby remains part of its plans.
If the Sky choose not to retain her, Minnesota will gain a player who has already shown she can make an immediate impact.
