Sky Issues Core Qualifying Offer to Guard Ariel Atkins
The Chicago Sky have placed a core qualifying designation on guard Ariel Atkins, the WNBA transactions page shows. The move blocks her from negotiating with other teams during free agency.
Terms of the offer
The core qualifying offer is a one-year deal under the new collective-bargaining agreement. That supermax-level figure is reported at about $1.4 million.
Both sides can still alter the deal. They may agree to a lower salary or a longer contract.
Atkins’ role and recent performance
Atkins averaged 13.1 points per game last season, ranking third on the Sky in scoring. She was widely regarded as the team’s best perimeter defender.
She entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The core designation now prevents outside negotiations.
Financial and competitive considerations
The supermax salary would be financially attractive for Atkins. Those contracts typically go to a small group of elite players.
Her decision may hinge on the team’s outlook. The Sky finished 10-34 in 2025.
Trade background and sign-and-trade implications
The Sky acquired Atkins by trading the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft to Washington. That pick turned into Sonia Citron. Citron became an All-Star in her rookie season.
The original transaction has not aged well for Chicago. The core designation gives the club some protection.
If Atkins rejects the core qualifying offer, she cannot simply leave for nothing. Under the CBA, she and the Sky can pursue a sign-and-trade.
However, a sign-and-trade requires Atkins to sign for less than the supermax level. That constraint comes from the new collective-bargaining rules.
Other personnel moves and free-agent timeline
The Sky also issued a reserved qualifying offer to point guard Sevgi Uzun. Uzun joined Chicago on a rest-of-season contract in 2025 and had limited impact.
Players are allowed to begin negotiating on Wednesday and can sign contracts starting Saturday. Those windows will shape final roster outcomes.
Roster needs
Chicago traded Reese to the Dream earlier in the offseason. That move opens a need for a “stretch” big in free agency.
But the Sky face a recruiting challenge. They lack a compelling pitch for top free agents right now.
Filmogaz.com will continue tracking developments related to the Sky, the core qualifying offer, and Ariel Atkins as the market unfolds.
