Sky Takes On China

The Chicago Sky announced that it will host the Chinese National Women�s Basketball Team in a preseason game at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, on May 23 at 11:30 a.m.

A leading power in women�s basketball in Asia, the Chinese National Women's Basketball Team currently ranks eighth in the world according to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). China, the host nation for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, reached the semifinals in the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

"The Chinese National team is always one of the more competitive teams in international play, and it has earned them a Top 10 world ranking,� said Pokey Chatman, head coach and general manager of the Sky. �They will showcase a style of play that will be a challenge, but also be good preparation for our upcoming season." As part of its 2011 international tour, the Chinese National Women's Basketball Team is scheduled to play additional WNBA preseason games and scrimmages during the month of May against the Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty and Washington Mystics.

This series of games is the latest cooperation between the NBA and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) who have a long history of working together to grow the game of basketball in China. Last season, the Chinese National Women�s Basketball Team played three preseason games in the U.S. against the WNBA�s Los Angeles Sparks, San Antonio Silver Stars and Phoenix Mercury.

The May 23 preseason game is part of the Chicago Sky�s Education Day initiative which will enable select elementary and middle school students to attend this special event. Limited seating will also be available for season ticket holders and the general public. For ticket information please contact the Chicago Sky at 866.SKY.WNBA.