Sky Conclude Search for General Manager
The Chicago Sky on Tuesday afternoon announced Jeff Pagliocca will join the team as General Manager for the organization. Pagliocca will work closely with Sky ownership, President and CEO Adam Fox and Head Coach Teresa Weatherspoon. This is the first time in the franchise’s history that they have hired a general manager who was not the head coach. It marks a big move by the organization who is also rumored to be pursing free agent point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith.
“We are delighted to welcome Jeff Pagliocca as the Chicago Sky’s new General Manager to identify and build the roster that will be a model for sustained success,” Sky President and CEO Adam Fox said. “Jeff’s expertise in player development and data driven talent evaluation, sophisticated basketball IQ, and his incredible relationships with players make him the perfect choice to complement Coach Weatherspoon as we strive for another championship in Chicago.”
Pagliocca returns to the Sky in his new role after spending the past four seasons assisting with player development and advising the head coach. Most recently, he spent the past 2023 season as the Sky’s Director of Skill Development. With over 20 years of world class player development and basketball training, Jeff started his own company, Evolution Athletics in Deerfield, IL, where he trains top tier athletes across high school, college, WNBA, and NBA, including NBA prospects and All-Americans. Off the court, Jeff is also a strategic consultant and advisor to help maximize the potential of professional players, coaches, and agents. A renowned talent evaluator, he is known for his scouting and film analysis expertise.
“I am beyond grateful to be named the new General Manager of the Chicago Sky,” Pagliocca said. “I’m very proud to partner with Coach Weatherspoon and the Sky front office to shape a championship-caliber roster. With a strong background in strategy, player development, and tenure with this team, I am eager to build upon our tradition of excellence, hard work, and winning, in this energizing new chapter of Sky basketball. Expect us to bring unmatched toughness, grit, and relentless competitive spirit to Chicago.”
After winning the WNBA title in 2021, the Sky were eliminated in the playoffs the last two seasons. There 2023 season featured massive roster turnover and head coach quitting in the middle of the season to take a job with the Toronto Raptors. Despite the challenges, the Sky still made the playoffs before losing to the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces.
Pagliocca, a native of Long Grove, Illinois, will be a featured guest on “What’s Up Cuz?!” in the coming weeks. His hiring comes after new coach Teresa Weatherspoon was hired earlier this month.