The Chicago Sky ended up with a 16-28 record in the 2026 season, finishing 11th in the WNBA standings and failing to make the playoffs. Despite that, the year wasn’t without its positives.
Rookie Sydney Taylor, who went undrafted in 2024 before getting her chance in the WNBA in 2026, averaged 13.6 points on 41.9% shooting, along with 1.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists. One of her most memorable performances for the Sky came against the Las Vegas Aces in August, when she scored 29 points and delivered a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
While Taylor didn’t win Rookie of the Year, an honor that went to Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, there’s no denying that she was one of the best newcomers in the WNBA.
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The league further highlighted that fact when it named Taylor to the 2026 WNBA All-Rookie Team, along with Miles, Azzi Fudd, Flau’jae Johnson, Pauline Astier and Kiki Rice.
Chicago, for its part, made sure to celebrate Taylor’s accomplishment and congratulate her.
“What a season for the rook,” the Sky wrote while sharing Taylor’s All-Rookie honors. “Sydney Taylor earns her first WNBA All-Rookie selection. Congrats, @sydd.taylor.”
It’s certainly a well-deserved honor for Taylor, who worked her way to the Sky roster after initially signing a training camp contract.
Now, she is set to be a crucial piece of Chicago’s future, alongside her fellow rising stars Kamilla Cardoso, Gabriela Jaquez and Rickea Jackson, among others.
In other news, fans who want to see Taylor in action will have the opportunity to do so in January, as the Sky guard has signed a deal to play in the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled.
