Chicago Tribune writer Julia Poe reported Tuesday that Sky first-round pick Ajša Sivka’s WNBA debut could be delayed due to this summer’s FIBA Women’s Eurobasket competition.
Selected by the Sky with the tenth overall pick in Monday’s WNBA Draft, Sivka attended the event and expressed enthusiasm about joining the team. However, a commitment to play for Slovenia in FIBA Women’s Eurobasket could delay the rookie’s WNBA debut until July. Slovenia’s first group play game is scheduled for June 18, and the final will be played on June 29. With there also being a camp to prepare for the event, Sivka may not be available to the Sky until after the tournament concludes. Poe reports the Sky are working through various options, including allowing Sivka to delay her WNBA debut until 2026. The prioritization rule the WNBA put in place in 2020, which requires players to join their teams by May 1, does not apply to Sivka since she has not played at least two seasons in the league.