Skip to content

James Wade leaving WNBA's Chicago Sky to join Toronto Raptors as assistant coach

20230701160720-64a08a8545b0d62a53c291f0jpeg
Chicago Sky coach James Wade yells to a referee during the second half of the team's WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Chicago.  THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

TORONTO — The Chicago Sky say head coach and general manager James Wade is joining the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach.

Wade led Chicago to its first Women's National Basketball Association title in 2021 and compiled an 81-59 record since taking the top job in 2019.

He's previously coached with the San Antonio Stars and Minnesota Lynx.

Chicago says Wade will be replaced by Emre Vatansever as interim general manager and head coach.

Wade joins the coaching staff of new Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic.

Rajakovic replaced Nick Nurse, who led the Raptors to its first-ever NBA title but was fired after four years in the role.

Nurse recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers as its latest head coach.

— With files from the Associated Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2023.

The Canadian Press


Looking for National Sports News?

VillageReport.ca viewed on a mobile phone

Check out Village Report - the news that matters most to Canada, updated throughout the day.  Or, subscribe to Village Report's free daily newsletter: a compilation of the news you need to know, sent to your inbox at 6AM.

Subscribe