Hailey Van Lith is set to return to the Connecticut Sun, according to reporting by Kendra Andrews. Andrews reports that the 2025 No. 11 overall pick will be re-joining the franchise on a developmental contract, citing information from sources and adding confirmation alongside fellow reporter Alex Philippou.
The news centers on Van Lith’s next step after being selected at No. 11 in the 2025 draft. While the report indicates that other opportunities may have been available to her, the key point is that she has chosen to stay with Connecticut rather than pursue a different path elsewhere. Andrews’ reporting frames the decision as a deliberate one, driven by Van Lith’s comfort with remaining in the same organization.
Connecticut’s acquisition of Van Lith at the No. 11 spot made her one of the notable young players entering the league, and the developmental contract suggests the team sees immediate long-term value in her growth while also keeping her in the organization’s system. Developmental deals are commonly used to integrate players into professional routines, training programs, and team culture, while allowing teams to manage roster and playing-time expectations.
Andrews’ update also highlights that there were multiple potential avenues open to Van Lith. The mention of competing opportunities implies that the player’s draft rights, interest from other teams, or available contract structures could have led her in another direction. However, according to the cited sources, Van Lith felt that remaining with Connecticut was the best option.
The report does not detail specific terms of the developmental agreement, but the overall implication is that the Sun will bring her back into the organization under a structure designed to accelerate her development. That approach can be particularly relevant for players newly entering the WNBA, where adapting to the pace, physicality, and spacing of the league can take time.
For the Connecticut Sun, re-signing or re-adding Van Lith to a developmental contract level keeps continuity in development and coaching investment. It allows the organization to build on whatever groundwork already exists—whether that includes prior work during the offseason, familiarity with staff and training resources, or established plans for her role moving forward.
In addition to roster-building, the decision has potential strategic value. The Sun have often emphasized strong development pipelines and team fit. By keeping Van Lith in Connecticut, the organization may be positioning her for a clearer trajectory toward future rotation minutes, based on how she progresses during team activities and training. Developmental contracts can serve as a bridge toward a standard contract or an expanded role once a player demonstrates readiness.
Although the report is primarily about Van Lith’s contract decision, it also reflects the broader reality of player movement and opportunity assessment in professional sports. Even after being selected high in the draft, a player’s immediate post-draft contract path is not always straightforward. That is why Andrews’ reporting—pointing to sources and confirming that multiple possibilities existed—matters for fans trying to understand what the 2025 class will look like once the offseason ends.
Andrews also notes that Van Lith’s decision is rooted in her desire to remain in Connecticut. That emphasis helps clarify that the contract outcome is not merely administrative; it stems from the player’s preference and connection to the franchise and location.
In sum, Kendra Andrews reports that Hailey Van Lith, the 2025 No. 11 overall pick, will be rejoining the Connecticut Sun on a developmental contract. The update states that, despite other opportunities being available, sources say Van Lith chose to stay in Connecticut, with the information supported by Andrews’ reporting and shared alongside Alex Philippou. Source: Kendra Andrews.
Kendra Andrews: Breaking: 2025 No. 11 overall pick Hailey Van Lith will be re-joining the Connecticut Sun on a developmental contract, sources told me and @alexaphilippou . While there were other opportunities available to her, according to sources, Van Lith feels that staying in Connecticut. #breaking
— @kendra__andrews May 1, 2026
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