Chance the Rapper, Former President Barack Obama and more are congratulating the Chicago Sky on their WNBA Finals victory on Sunday (Oct. 17). The team beat Phoenix Mercury with an 80 – 74 lead, earning them their first championship in the franchise’s history.
“Congrats to our new WNBA champs, Chicago Sky! I couldn’t be prouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city proud,” Obama, whose wife Michelle is a Chicago native, wrote on Twitter.
“Congrats to Chicago Sky on winning the WNBA Finals today, bringing us our first championship in franchise history!!!!” Chance added. “The city appreciates y’all!!”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also wrote: “What a moment. Congrats champs! A first but not the last for Chicago Sky.”
On Twitter, 13-time NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade hailed Chicago Sky power forward Candace Parker, who led the team to victory with 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
“LEGEND!!!!! [Candace Parker] went back home and got that chip!!!” Wade tweeted. “Congrats to Chicago Sky on winning y’all first [championship].”
Parker spoke with ESPN after Sunday’s victory. The WNBA All-Star previously won her first championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
“I could have four or five WNBA titles by now, and I could also have zero,” she said. “I think it’s made me really understand how important possessions are. We think about that last-second shot, but every possession is equally important.”
“And I think it’s had me become less results-driven and just focus on doing what you’re supposed to do,” she added. “You could literally do everything you’re supposed to do and not reach your goal, but are you going to stop working?”
According to CNN, Chicago Sky also set a WNBA postseason record with eight wins and are now the first team in WNBA history to win a championship without being seeded first or second. See more reactions to the Chicago Sky’s first championship below.