Watch Now: Chicago Celebrates WNBA Sky Champion With Parade | Basketball
CHICAGO – Chicago went on Tuesday for a parade celebrating the WNBA Sky champion, bringing a big smile to the city celebrating its first world championship since 2016.
Fans lined up on Michigan Avenue to cheer on the Sky after beating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 on Sunday at Wintrust Arena, becoming the first Chicago team to win a title since the Cubs five years ago.
âI think every time I see someone with tears in their eyes and you see the passion on their face, just for the love they have in the team. It’s amazing,â said said head coach James Wade.
Candace Parker, from Naperville, said she remembers growing up watching the Chicago Bulls and “dreaming of being and bringing a title to your hometown.”
Point guard Courtney Vandersloot looked at the fans and said: “I really can’t believe it.”
Chance the Rapper got on a double-decker bus with the team and publicly thanked the team for âmaking the city proudâ and âmaking us winners againâ.
â(The Sky) played together like the best team in the league, they have chemistry like no other,â Chance told WMAQ-TV.
The parade ended at Millennium Park for a noon rally.
Melrose Park fan Christina Ratliff has brought her 10-year-old daughter, Jazmyn.
âWe’re playing addicted today,â Ratliff said.
Larry Jones, 68, brought a sign predicting the Sky will repeat itself as champion.
“I think it will make the city a little happier,” he said.