Five‑time All‑Star Courtney Vandersloot is set to debut for the Chicago Sky Friday against the Portland Fire after a year‑long recovery from a torn ACL. The 37‑year‑old guard, who returned to the roster in 2025, was listed questionable Thursday but cleared to play, signaling a new chapter for a veteran who has re‑signed with the team.

Vandersloot’s return follows a 5‑12 record that left the Sky ranked 11th in the league. After breaking a six‑game skid with a 101‑78 win over the Fire, the team still struggles on the floor, especially from beyond the arc. Her career 33.5% three‑point shooting could spark the Sky’s poor perimeter offense and help lift their standings for the rest of the season.

With Vandersloot back, the Sky add a veteran ball‑handler to a lineup that already features Skylar Diggins and Natasha Cloud. Her 2,886 career assists rank second in WNBA history, just shy of Sue Bird’s record. The return of a playmaker offers a tangible boost as Chicago fights to climb out of the league’s cellar and secure a playoff berth soon.