By Eric Koreen, Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman
Chicago Sky general manager and head coach James Wade is stepping down to become an assistant with the Toronto Raptors, the franchise announced Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wade has been with Chicago since 2019. He was named WNBA Coach of the Year that season and helped the Sky win the league championship in 2021.
- The 47-year-old boasts a 74-50 record with the Sky over four seasons.
- Chicago named Emre Vatansever as interim GM and head coach. Ann Wauters and Tonya Edwards will remain as assistant coaches.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
The exodus out of Chicago continues
The Chicago Sky dealt with several significant departures during the offseason, losing franchise stalwart Courtney Vandersloot, hometown hero Candace Parker and Azurá Stevens, with Allie Quigley and Emma Meesseman also both electing not to play for the team in 2023. Wade’s exit is just the latest talent drain, as Wade is a former coach of the year and executive of the year and guided the Sky to their only championship in franchise history in 2021.
Chicago has been criticized for a lack of investment into its organization — the team practices at a public gym, though a new practice facility is in the works — and losing a quality coach…
