Chicago Sky name Jeff Pagliocca as their general manager to partner with new coach Teresa Weatherspoon

The announcement of Jeff Pagliocca as the new general manager of the Chicago Sky marks an important milestone for the team’s front office. This move fills a crucial position and solidifies the Sky’s commitment to success.

Pagliocca’s appointment as the sole GM for the Sky is significant, as the team is the last in the WNBA to separate the head coach and GM roles. He will team up with the newly appointed coach Teresa Weatherspoon to usher in a new era for the Sky starting in 2024.

Sky President and CEO Adam Fox expressed his delight in welcoming Jeff Pagliocca and highlighted his role in identifying and building a roster that will serve as a blueprint for sustained success. Pagliocca’s expertise in player development, data-driven talent evaluation, and extensive relationships with players make him the perfect complement to coach Weatherspoon as they aim for another championship in Chicago.

Pagliocca is already a familiar face within the Sky organization, having previously worked as a player development coach and adviser to former coach/GM James Wade for the past four seasons. In 2023, he held the position of director of skill development and established strong connections with current and former stars such as Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot, and Kahleah Copper, whom he also trained during the offseason.

Copper, in particular, has publicly praised Pagliocca on social media, expressing her gratitude for his contributions. This endorsement further highlights his impact and reinforces his valuable presence within the team.

Pagliocca, a native of Long Grove, is the founder of Evolution Athletics in Deerfield, where the Sky also conduct their training. His experience in on- and off-court analytics, coupled with his expertise in player development and talent scouting, makes him well-equipped for the GM role.

With Pagliocca’s strategic ability and Weatherspoon’s influential leadership, the Sky’s culture is set to thrive in this new era. Pagloicca’s role in acquiring and nurturing talent will be pivotal, especially considering the highly anticipated 2024 and 2025 draft classes.

Now that both positions have been filled, the Sky are fully prepared for WNBA free agency, which commences on January 11th. This marks the start of the team’s efforts to extend qualifying offers to unsigned players.