Aicha Coulibaly has secured a rest-of-season contract with the Chicago Sky, eliminating the previous 12-game limit imposed by her status as a development player. The rookie forward had been a key contributor amid the team’s injury challenges earlier this season, prompting uncertainty about her continued availability under the initial agreement.

Coach Tyler Marsh described Coulibaly’s promotion as well-earned, praising her consistent impact on the court and her toughness. Marsh recounted revealing the news to Coulibaly with a lighthearted prank, initially telling her that her development contract had expired before clarifying she had actually been signed to a full-season deal.

“It’s a blessing,” Coulibaly said of the new contract. “I can’t even describe the feeling. This is what I’ve been working on for a long time.” She shared the news first with her husband and then her mother, who reportedly celebrated with dancing and cheers over the phone.

Coulibaly has made a significant impact playing an average of 14.4 minutes per game, contributing 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per outing. She attributes her roster spot to her energy, defensive capabilities, and athleticism, particularly highlighting her ability to consistently draw fouls and reach the free-throw line at one of the league’s highest rates.

According to a league source, Coulibaly has been signed as the replacement player for forward Rickea Jackson, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Sky’s ability to sign Coulibaly under this salary-cap exception now leaves one of their two development roster spots available.