TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 13: Anneli Maley #15 of the Chicago Sky looks to pass the ball during the game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 13, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mark Blinch

Anneli Maley to sign hardship contract with Chicago Sky

After competing in the FIBA 3x3 Women's World Cup, Anneli Maley will make her way back to the WNBA.

Following the Chicago Sky's 86-82 win over the New York Liberty, coach James Wade announced in the post-game press conference that Australian Anneli Maley will be signed to a hardship contract this week.

The Bendigo Spirit forward played for the Chicago Sky last season on a hardship contract, where she appeared in two preseason games averaging 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, before playing four regular season games, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds.

The 2021/22 WNBL MVP was signed to a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky this past offseason, appearing in two preseason games and averaging 2.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists though she was waived as the final roster deadline approached.

However, now, the Sky are dealing with a multitude of injuries that have left them with a nine-player active roster. Most recently, Rebekah Gardner suffered a foot injury and underwent surgery on June 1.

Maley is well-versed in Chicago coach James Wade's system and will bring an uptick in rebounding and scoring as well as much-needed bench depth.