You’ve seen the jerseys. Maybe you’ve even seen the highlights of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso—the "Skyscrapers"—dominating the paint and racking up double-doubles like they’re going out of style. But if you’re searching for the "New York Sky basketball" team, you’re going to run into a bit of a geographic identity crisis.
The Sky doesn't play in Brooklyn or Manhattan. Honestly, they aren't even in the same time zone as the Empire State Building.
The Chicago Sky is the actual WNBA powerhouse you’re looking for, but the confusion is surprisingly common. Between the New York Liberty playing at Barclays Center and the Sky’s frequent trips to the Big Apple for high-stakes matchups, fans often mix them up. Or, perhaps, you’re thinking of the luxury Sky Manhattan basketball courts at Life Time, where pros actually go to run pick-up games.
Whatever brought you here, let’s clear the air and talk about what’s actually happening with the Sky, the Liberty, and the state of hoops in 2026.
The "New York Sky" Confusion Explained
It happens. You hear "Sky" and you think of the Manhattan skyline. It makes sense, right? But the Sky belongs to the Windy City.
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The confusion often peaks when the Sky travels to New York to face the Liberty. On August 21, 2025, for instance, the Sky pulled off a massive upset at Barclays Center, winning 91-85. Reese and Cardoso were absolute monsters on the glass that night. They basically lived in the paint. When a team named "Sky" comes into NYC and beats the local favorites on their own hardwood, people start associating that brand with the city.
There’s also the New York Skyriders, a youth recruiting program that does great work in the city. Then you have the Sky (Manhattan) athletic club, which features some of the most beautiful hardwood courts in the world. If you're looking for "New York Sky basketball," you're likely either looking for a place to play or you're a WNBA fan who's just a little bit turned around.
The Sky’s 2026 Outlook: A New Era in Chicago
The Sky is currently in a massive transition period. After a 2025 season that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with growing pains, the front office is doubling down on their young core.
Angel Reese confirmed she’s running it back for the 2026 season. She’s still under her rookie contract, and despite a back injury that hampered her late in '25, she’s reportedly at 100% now. Pairing her with Kamilla Cardoso gives the Sky a frontcourt that is, frankly, terrifying for opponents.
Key Roster Moves and The 2026 All-Star Game
The 2026 season is going to be huge for the Sky because Chicago is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 at the United Center.
- Tyler Marsh is leading the charge as head coach.
- The team is navigating a tricky expansion draft with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league.
- Veterans like Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham are providing the necessary floor spacing, though the roster is definitely leaning younger.
The expansion draft is the big "if" right now. Analysts like those at Sports Illustrated have been speculating about who the Sky will protect. You can bet Reese and Cardoso are safe, but losing a veteran guard like Courtney Vandersloot—if she returns—would be a blow to the locker room.
New York Liberty: The Real Queens of the City
If you specifically want to root for a New York pro team, the New York Liberty is your squad. They are the heavyweights.
Coming off a 2025 season where they were the team to beat, the Liberty is focused on keeping their "Big Three" together. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones are expected to stay in Brooklyn. GM Jonathan Kolb has been pretty vocal about his confidence in re-signing them once the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is inked.
The Liberty plays a different style than the Sky. While Chicago beats you up inside, New York relies on elite shooting and high-level basketball IQ. Watching Ionescu operate in the pick-and-roll is like watching a masterclass.
Where to Actually Play "Sky Basketball" in NYC
If you aren't looking for the WNBA team but actually want to put sneakers to floor, Sky Manhattan at Life Time is the spot.
It’s located at 605 West 42nd Street. This isn't your neighborhood YMCA. It’s a luxury athletic club with professional-grade courts. They run a league called Ultimate Hoops, which is basically the closest a regular person can get to the pro experience. You get jerseys, stats, and even live streams of the games.
It’s expensive. No doubt. But if you want to play "sky basketball" in the heart of New York, this is where it happens.
Actionable Insights for Fans
Whether you're a fan of the Chicago Sky or the New York Liberty, 2026 is shaping up to be the most competitive year in WNBA history. Here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Expansion Draft: Keep an eye on the unprotected lists for both the Sky and the Liberty. The addition of Toronto and Portland will shift the talent balance across the league.
- All-Star Tickets: If you want to see the "Skyscrapers" in person, the 2026 All-Star Game in Chicago is the premier event. Tickets will likely sell out in minutes given the league's current trajectory.
- CBA Updates: The new CBA is going to change everything from player salaries to travel conditions. This will directly impact free agency moves for both New York and Chicago.
- Local Hoops: If you're in NYC and want to play, check out the open gym schedules at Life Time Sky or look into the New York Skyriders if you're looking for youth development programs.
The "New York Sky" might be a myth, but the basketball talent in both cities is very real. Stick with the Liberty for local pro pride, but keep an eye on those Chicago Skyscrapers—they’re coming for the crown.