When the news of the Allie Quigley retirement broke in June 2025, it sent ripples across the WNBA. After 14 seasons, multiple All-Star appearances, a WNBA championship, and the well-earned reputation as one of the league’s deadliest three-point shooters, Quigley officially closed a chapter that helped define a generation of women’s basketball.
Her decision to walk away isn’t just a personal milestone—it marks a significant moment for the Chicago Sky, the franchise she helped elevate, and for the WNBA, which continues to evolve and grow in both visibility and competitive depth. In this article, we’ll explore how Allie Quigley retirement impacts the league, how she rose to prominence, and why her absence will be deeply felt by fans, teammates, and the sport at large.
From Late Draft Pick to Franchise Icon
Allie Quigley’s journey to WNBA stardom is one of resilience, patience, and pure dedication. Drafted 22nd overall in 2008 by the Seattle Storm, she bounced between five different teams before finding her footing with the Chicago Sky in 2013. Many players may have given up after being waived multiple times. Quigley, however, saw each setback as a step closer to something bigger.
By 2014, she had blossomed into one of the league’s premier sixth players, earning back-to-back WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year awards in 2014 and 2015. Her scoring touch, high basketball IQ, and unparalleled perimeter shooting made her an essential piece in the Sky’s offensive arsenal.
Championship Glory and Lasting Legacy
The peak of Quigley’s professional career came in 2021, when the Chicago Sky won their first WNBA title. Playing alongside Courtney Vandersloot—her wife and longtime teammate—Quigley provided invaluable veteran leadership and clutch scoring throughout the postseason. Her ability to rise to the occasion made her a go-to shooter in late-game scenarios, a role few in the league could handle with such poise.
This victory cemented her legacy, not just as a sharpshooter but as a franchise cornerstone. For many fans, the Allie Quigley retirement feels like the end of an era, one marked by consistency, humility, and fierce competitiveness.
Why Is Allie Quigley Retiring Now?
In her heartfelt letter in The Players’ Tribune, Quigley explained that her decision was deeply personal. The motivation wasn’t due to injury or a decline in performance, but rather a shift in priorities. After welcoming her first child with Vandersloot in April 2025, Quigley expressed her desire to focus on family and life beyond basketball.
She leaves the game on her terms, healthy, celebrated, and satisfied. In doing so, she sets a powerful example of what it looks like to walk away when the time is right, not just when circumstances force it.
The Allie Quigley retirement isn’t about what she’s leaving behind. It’s about what she’s stepping into—new chapters, new roles, and continued impact off the court.
What It Means for the Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky face a major leadership void in the wake of the Allie Quigley retirement. Not only was she a consistent contributor on the stat sheet, but she also served as a bridge between coaching staff and younger players. Her presence brought calm to tense situations, and her reputation demanded respect from opponents.
From a roster perspective, Quigley’s retirement opens up minutes and offensive responsibilities for emerging guards. The Sky may look to fill her role with a combination of player development and strategic free agency moves. However, replicating her veteran steadiness, locker-room chemistry, and game-winning shot-making will be a tall order.
Off the court, the franchise loses a face of the organization. Quigley wasn’t flashy, but she was deeply admired. Her connection to the community, local fans, and young players made her a key part of Chicago basketball culture.
Impact on the WNBA as a Whole
The WNBA is currently experiencing unprecedented momentum, with rising viewership, high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and renewed media attention. In the midst of this upswing, the Allie Quigley retirement reminds fans and analysts of the foundational stars who helped carry the league through years when attention and investment were much lower.
Quigley’s shooting excellence—especially her four WNBA Three-Point Contest titles—set a standard for what elite perimeter play looks like. She wasn’t just a scorer; she was a specialist who thrived in an area that defines today’s game. Future generations will point to Quigley as a player who helped normalize precision shooting and quiet leadership as cornerstones of success.
Her departure also underscores the need for the league to prepare for life after veteran stars. While the WNBA is bursting with new talent, maintaining continuity and honoring legacies like Quigley’s is critical for long-term cultural relevance.
How Much Did Allie Quigley Earn in Her Career?
While WNBA salaries have historically been modest, Quigley made the most of her opportunities. By the latter part of her career, she was earning around $150,000–$200,000 per season. Over 14 seasons, she is estimated to have earned approximately $1.5 to $2 million in WNBA base salary.
However, her income was supplemented by overseas play, particularly in Turkey, where she often made more per season than in the U.S. Additionally, endorsements and public appearances helped round out her financial profile.
Compared to NBA counterparts, the numbers are modest, but in the WNBA ecosystem, Quigley’s earnings reflect a successful, sustained career. She leaves the league not just as a champion, but as one of the few players who built financial stability through long-term excellence.
Allie Quigley’s Salary and Endorsements: A Quiet Financial Success Story
Although WNBA players have historically earned far less than their NBA counterparts, Allie Quigley quietly built a financially stable career through a mix of league contracts, overseas play, and select endorsement deals.
WNBA Earnings
Quigley’s base WNBA salary increased steadily throughout her career. In her early years, she earned league-minimum salaries and bounced between teams. But once she solidified her role with the Chicago Sky, her earnings reflected her value:
- By 2020–2022, she was earning up to $200,000 per season, close to the league maximum at the time.
- Over her 14-season WNBA career, estimates suggest she earned between $1.5 million and $2 million in total salary.
These numbers don’t account for performance bonuses or playoff payouts, which also contributed to her income.
Overseas Contracts
Like many WNBA players, Quigley augmented her income by playing overseas during the off-season. Her most notable stint was in Turkey, where she played for teams like Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. In Turkey, top players can earn $300,000 to $500,000 per season, and it’s believed Quigley approached the higher end of that range during peak years.
This overseas play helped her double or even triple her WNBA income and allowed her to build long-term financial security.
Endorsements and Public Image
While Quigley wasn’t a flashy media presence, her consistency, professionalism, and visibility with the Sky helped her land endorsement deals with brands like:
- Nike, which provided gear sponsorship and apparel
- Wilson, the official ball sponsor of the WNBA
- Local Chicago campaigns, including youth fitness and women’s sports initiatives
Her brand was never built around hype—it was about trust, excellence, and relatability. In that way, Quigley became a quiet but powerful figure for corporate partners who wanted athletes with substance and staying power.
Allie Quigley’s Most Memorable Moments on the Court
Allie Quigley’s career is filled with highlight reels, but some moments stand out not just for stats, but for what they meant to her team, her city, and the league.
Four-Time WNBA 3-Point Contest Champion
No player in WNBA history dominated the 3-Point Contest like Quigley. She won the title four times (2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022), putting on shooting clinics that left fans and analysts in awe. Her 2022 performance, where she posted a near-perfect score, is still considered one of the best in basketball history, men’s or women’s.
Her streak helped elevate the event’s visibility and proved that precision shooting could be a marquee skill.
2021 WNBA Championship Run
Perhaps the defining chapter of her playing career, the 2021 WNBA Championship saw Quigley come alive in critical moments. In Game 4 of the Finals against the Phoenix Mercury, she poured in 26 points, including clutch threes that sealed the win for the Chicago Sky.
That game wasn’t just about the stats—it was about grit, leadership, and closing out a storybook season. Her chemistry with Vandersloot on the court was electric, and fans still remember her post-game tears and humble celebration.
Career Highs and Milestones
- Scored a career-high 29 points against New York in 2017
- Reached over 3,500 career points with a shooting percentage north of 38% from three
- Logged over 400 games played, ranking among the most durable guards in WNBA history
Tributes and Community Moments
One of her most meaningful moments came during a 2022 home game where the Sky honored her legacy with a pre-game ceremony and video tribute. The standing ovation she received wasn’t just for basketball—it was for the way she represented the city.
Whether draining a corner three or mentoring a rookie, Quigley left everything on the court. And those moments—quiet or explosive—are the ones fans will hold onto most.
Life After Basketball: What’s Next for Quigley?
Though she’s stepping away from the court, it’s unlikely that Quigley will vanish from the basketball world. Given her reputation for intelligence, communication, and calm leadership, she’s a strong candidate for coaching, player development, or even broadcasting roles in the future.
There’s also the possibility of advocacy work. Quigley and Vandersloot have both spoken about equality in sports, LGBTQ+ representation, and mental wellness. With the visibility and respect she’s built, Quigley could have a profound impact far beyond the hardwood.
A Farewell, Not a Goodbye
The Allie Quigley retirement isn’t just the end of a storied career—it’s a celebration of what one athlete can achieve through perseverance, humility, and skill. Her legacy will continue to echo through the Chicago Sky, the WNBA, and in the hearts of fans who admired her game, her journey, and her unshakable presence.
As the league welcomes a new generation of stars, it will do so standing on the shoulders of players like Quigley—those who gave everything to build a stronger foundation for women’s professional basketball.
