Partnership to Feature Marquee Baseline Branding and Community Investment Through Women’s Small Business Cohort

CHICAGO (April 28, 2026) — The Chicago Sky today announced a new multi-year partnership with Lendistry, naming the organization the Official Small Business Lending Partner of the team. As part of the agreement, Lendistry will receive prominent baseline branding at Chicago Sky home games, one of the most visible in-game assets for the 2026 season.

The partnership will extend beyond the court through meaningful community investment, with Lendistry serving as the presenting partner of the Chicago Sky Foundation’s Women’s Small Business Cohort (WSBC). The WSBC is the Sky Foundation’s flagship program supporting women entrepreneurs across the Chicagoland area.

“The Chicago Sky are so proud to partner with Lendistry to amplify our shared mission of investing in small businesses by supporting our Women’s Small Business Cohort and Skytown community,” said Alex Teodosi, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “We see limitless opportunities to extend Lendistry’s enduring support of women’s sports, local communities, and an existing partnership with Sky player and Lendistry ambassador Azurá Stevens.”

Through its baseline placement, Lendistry will be integrated into the Sky’s in-arena and broadcast presentation throughout the season, providing consistent visibility during home games and key league moments. Lendistry will also be joining the local Chicago All-Star Host Committee.

"Lendistry is a proud supporter of women’s sports and these incredible athletes,” said Leeann Lynch, founding member and Chief Operating Officer of Lendistry. “This partnership allows us to show up in a powerful way on the court while continuing to invest in women entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.”

As the presenting partner of the WSBC, Lendistry will help power the program’s sixth year, providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to women small business owners throughout the region.

The WSBC is an annual initiative supporting women entrepreneurs across the Chicagoland area. Twelve selected participants will take part in a four-week program focused on financial infrastructure, marketing and customer acquisition, team building and operational capacity.

The program will culminate in a live pitch competition in late July, when four participants will each be awarded $20,000 to support their businesses.

"As the cohort continues to grow, so does our responsibility to be intentional,” said Chicago Sky Foundation Executive Director Awvee Storey. “By identifying the specific needs of each business and building our programming around those areas with the help of Lendistry, we’re able to create more impactful outcomes and better position these women for long-term success.”

Applications for the 2026 Women’s Small Business Cohort open May 4 and close May 15, with participants announced May 30.

In addition to the competition, the Chicago Sky will host a panel titled “Scale & Grow: The Power of Collaboration” on June 17 before their home matchup against the New York Liberty. The event is designed to provide networking and learning opportunities for women small business owners across the region. Additional details regarding attendance will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Chicago Sky

The 2021 WNBA Champion Chicago Sky are a professional women’s basketball team founded in 2005 by principal owner, Michael Alter. The Chicago Sky were the first independently owned women’s professional basketball team to join the WNBA and play at the Wintrust Arena. The WNBA regular season runs from May-September. Follow @chicagosky and tag #WNBAAllStar2026 and #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. Call 866.SKY.WNBA or visit sky.wnba.com for more information.

About Chicago Sky Foundation

The Chicago Sky Foundation empowers communities by advancing women's leadership, investing in youth education and development, and promoting health and wellness. As a WNBA team, we leverage our platform to create pathways for learning, leadership, and mentorship while driving sustainable growth.

Through strategic programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we break barriers, expand opportunities, and inspire lasting change. We are committed to elevating women’s voices, believing that in doing so, we drive systemic change toward a world that is inclusive for all.

For more information on the Chicago Sky Foundation, please visit our website.

About Lendistry

Lendistry (lendistry.com) is a small business lender, grant administrator, and a trusted resource for undercapitalized entrepreneurs. Lendistry has used proprietary technology to deploy over $10.5 billion to small businesses since its founding in 2015, partnering with state and federal governments and some of the most well-known brands in the U.S. Named a Best Place to Work in Fintech by American Banker in 2025, Lendistry has both Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications, is an SBA Preferred Lender and is the #2 non-bank SBA 7(a) lender in the country. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit business education organization, Lendistry helps business owners achieve their goals and prepare to scale.