It was an eventful 2025 for Chicago’s professional and college sports teams, on the field and off. Here’s what we saw — and here’s what to watch for in 2026. Want the latest Chicago sports news? Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune to read it all — and sign up for our free  newsletters. Chi cago Bears Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson celebrates the win with wide receiver DJ Moore after his game-winning catch in overtime to defeat the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)The marquee promoted Bears coach Ben Johnson as fans line up for free hot dogs, Dec. 2, 2025, at The Wieners Circle in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood after Johnson took his shirt off in a postgame celebration for a win over the Eagles. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass for a first down to wide receiver Rome Odunze as Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman defends in the first quarter at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Sept. 21: Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, right, tumbles after making a catch against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Bears tight end Colston Loveland celebrates a 31-28 win over the Steelers at Soldier Field on Nov. 23, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Sept. 21: Chicago Bears safety Elijah Hicks (22) and teammates take the field to face the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Jan. 5: Green Bay fans yell at Chicago Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga as he celebrates Cairo Santos’ game-winning 51-yard field goal against Green Bay at Lambeau Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Steve McMichael and Virginia Halas McCaskey are honored with a moment of silence before the start of a game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 8, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Oct. 13: Chicago Bears teammates hoist kicker Jake Moody as they celebrate his game-winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter to defeat the Washington Commanders, 25-24, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Sept. 28: Bears fans celebrate in the stands after a blocked kick secured a victory for Chicago over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Bears coach Ben Johnson watches his team warm up to face the Ravens on Oct. 26, 2025, at MT Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams celebrates the win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 28, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Bears fans and hot dog fans line up as The Wieners Circle fulfilled its promise on Sept. 23, 2025, to give out free hot dogs after the Bears' Caleb Williams threw for four touchdowns in Sunday's game. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 13Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson celebrates the win with wide receiver DJ Moore after his game-winning catch in overtime to defeat the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Expand A year ago, the Bears were spiraling, losing 10 consecutive games and firing coach Matt Eberflus. Now, under first-year coach Ben Johnson, they have won 11 games for the first time in seven years and are one of the best stories of the 2025 NFL season. A lot has happened between then and now. Most notably, team owner and matriarch Virginia Halas McCaskey died in February at age 102. McCaskey, the daughter of Bears founder George Halas, had been present for many of the NFL’s seminal moments during her childhood in the 1920s and 1930s. She later became the team’s principal owner after her father’s death in 1983. However the Bears fare as the 2025 season wraps up, this will be the first time in more than a century that McCaskey won’t be there to witness it all. Team Chairman George McCaskey, Virginia’s son and George Halas’ grandson, said in the spring that the family has no intention of selling the team after his mother’s death. There’s no easy segue from that to the football field, but the on-field news has been largely good for the Bears in 2025. They hired Johnson in January, and he quickly has turned the team into a contender in the NFC North. After an 0-2 start, the Bears won nine of their next 10 games to position themselves well for a playoff spot heading into January. Johnson’s offensive prowess, combined with a reworked offensive line, has the Bears rolling. Here’s a look back at the biggest Bears stories of 2025: Bears end the 2024 season with a win over Green Bay, snapping a 10-game losing streak Bears hire Ben Johnson as head coach in January 2025 Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey dies at 102 Bears rework offensive line with 3 new veteran starters Kevin Warren, Bears focus their stadium pursuit on Arlington Heights Bears draft rookies Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, Ozzy Trapilo, among others Bears open the 2025 season on Sept. 8, ushering in the Ben Johnson era Surprise win over the Eagles on Black Friday, Ben Johnson pulls off his shirt Kevin Warren changes his tune and says Indiana is an option for the Bears stadium As for the year ahead, the Bears are on the verge of their first postseason appearance since 2020. They have blown all expectations out of the water. Regardless of whether they find success in the playoffs, the hype heading into 2026 will be strong. The biggest question becomes this: How can the Bears build off their 2025 success? They need to make sure this isn’t a repeat of the Matt Nagy-era Bears, who won the NFC North in the coach’s first season but never found consistent success after that. The continued development of quarterback Caleb Williams will remain a big part of the narrative. With a year in Johnson’s offensive system under his belt, could Williams be even better next season? — Sean Hammond Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) takes a shot in the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 26, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) scores a penalty goal past Utah Hockey Club goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) in the second period at the United Center on March 7, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Fans cheer after Blackhawks center Connor Bedard’s (98) first goal that made the score 2-1 during the second period against the Calgary Flames, Nov. 18, 2025, at the United Center. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson, left, poses with new Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Jeff Blashill during an introductory press conference at the United Center on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) takes a shot during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United Center Saturday Nov. 15, 2025 in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Jett Foster, 6, middle, yells to get the attention of Calgary flames players while his cousin Reilly Stone, 7, left, and Andrew Stone look on before a game between the Blackhawks and Calgary Flames, Nov. 18, 2025, at the United Center. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)Head coach Jeff Blashill talks to his players during practice Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, as the Chicago Blackhawks begin training camp at Fifth Third Arena. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel (6) is unable to score on Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (35) in the second period of a game at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 8Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) takes a shot in the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 26, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Expand There have been some cold times on the ice since the Blackhawks last won the Stanley Cup in 2015. The team has seen some franchise legends go and new players sport the logo that has been around for 100 years now. The Hawks finished 25-46-11 in 2024-25 — the second-worst record in the NHL — setting themselves up for another top-three draft pick. They used their No. 3 pick on forward Anton Frondell as part of their 8-player draft class. Are the 2025-26 Hawks better? They hired coach Jeff Blashill this offseason to usher the next stages of the rebuild. After an 0-2-1 start, the Hawks soared to a 10-5-4 record, the fastest they hit 10 wins (19 games) since the 2016-17 season, when they did it in 14 games. Connor Bedard was off to the best start of his young career — 44 points on 19 goals and 25 assists in 31 games — and his name was mentioned in Hart Trophy and Team Canada conversations. Those talks are on pause, however, until early January at the earliest. Bedard, 20, suffered an upper-body injury in a 3-2 loss to the Blues on Dec. 12 and was placed on IR. Then in mid-December, center Frank Nazar took a puck to the face in a loss to the Ottawa Senators and exited the game. Nazar, 21, will be out about four weeks, Blashill said. — Kalen Lumpkins Chicago Bulls Benny the Bull, dressed as Santa Claus, drives a small car around the court during a timeout in the second half of a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center in Chicago on Dec. 17, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Bulls guard Zach LaVine walks to the locker room before playing the Pelicans at the United Center on Jan. 14, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls forward Noa Essengue leaves a video station during Chicago Bulls media day at the United Center on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)April 9: From left, Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis look to recover a free throw rebound during the second half of a game against the Miami Heat at the United Center in Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks the ball in the third quarter during a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan answers questions at a press conference during Chicago Bulls media day at the United Center on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and teammates head toward the locker room after a 143-107 loss to the Heat at the United Center on Nov. 21, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with guard Josh Giddey during a timeout in the second quarter against the Pacers at the United Center on Dec. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) hugs Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) after they won their game 128-123 against the Atlanta Hawks, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas answers questions at a press conference during Chicago Bulls media day at the United Center on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 10Benny the Bull, dressed as Santa Claus, drives a small car around the court during a timeout in the second half of a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center in Chicago on Dec. 17, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Expand The Bulls began 2025 with an ending — the departure of longtime star Zach LaVine, who was traded at the deadline in February after years of speculation. LaVine ultimately spent eight seasons in Chicago, where he averaged 24.2 points while earning two All-Star selections. Despite his prolific output, LaVine played in only four playoff games in his tenure with the Bulls before he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal for full rights to the Bulls’ 2026 first-round pick and a trio of new players: Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and Tre Jones. Securing that 2026 first-rounder allowed the Bulls to forge full steam ahead for another attempt at a postseason bid. But after a 39-43 season, the Bulls crashed out of the play-in tournament with a demoralizing blowout loss to the Miami Heat — marking their third consecutive season of missing the playoffs. In June, the pick secured in the LaVine trade was utilized to draft 18-year-old Noa Essengue of France with the No. 12 pick. At the time, the Bulls front office emphasized that Essengue would be a long-term project with the goal of eventually molding the rookie into a defensive-minded wing who could complement Matas Buzelis. But Essengue’s development was even slower than expected. He played only six minutes before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a weakness in his shoulder that had resulted in multiple dislocations. Outside of the draft, the Bulls made few moves over the summer — re-signing Josh Giddey to a four-year deal and swapping Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro. With these minimal changes to the roster, the Bulls entered the 2025-26 season with the simple goal of improving their young core of Giddey, Buzelis and Coby White to prepare for an inflection point in the 2026 offseason once the roster is cleared of its expiring contracts. A 6-1 start buoyed hopes for the Bulls, but those expectations quickly crashed back to earth as they suffered a seven-game losing streak that highlighted the team’s lack of defensive rigor and stalled-out offense. The team is currently outside of playoff position. Nostalgia once again dominated the extracurricular focuses for the Bulls. In January, the team celebrated Derrick Rose Night to highlight the former MVP’s retirement from the NBA at the end of 2024. The Bulls will retire Rose’s jersey in a ceremony in January 2026 at the United Center. The team in November also inducted six new members — Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, John Paxson, Johnny Bach, Neil Funk and Norm Van Lier — into its Ring of Honor. The Bulls and the Blackhawks also secured crucial approval for the 1901 Project, a $7 billion proposal for an expansion of the infrastructure surrounding the United Center. The project aims to build an entertainment district in the blocks around the arena, which are currently dominated by parking lots. The proposal includes housing, commercial space, a new performance center and a hotel. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed as early as 2028. — Julia Poe Chicago Cubs A Pokemon character is dressed in a Cubs jersey as designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) exits the dugout for the opening day game against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2025, in Tokyo. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)July 3: Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw, left, and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrate after Shaw hit a game-winning RBI sacrifice fly ball for a 1-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in ten innings at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Cubs mascot Clark waves a "W" flag after a 6-0 win over the Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS on Oct. 9, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)A Brewers fan shows support for the team before Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the Cubs at American Family Field on Oct. 11, 2025, in Milwaukee. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Sept. 23: New York Mets first base Pete Alonso falls while attempting to catch a foul ball hit by Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga heads to the clubhouse after being taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Mets at Wrigley Field on Sept. 25, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, center right, waits for his turn at batting practice during a workout at the Tokyo Dome on March 17, 2025, in Tokyo. The Cubs play the Dodgers on March 18 in Tokyo to start the regular season. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is introduced for a game against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on March 19, 2025, in Tokyo. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Cubs designated hitter Kyle Tucker, right, celebrates after hitting a home run in the seventh inning of Game 4 of the NLCS against the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Oct. 9, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)A Pete Crow-Armstrong fan makes a sign in the stands before the start of Game 5 of the NL Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee on Oct. 11, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs fans try to rally the team as Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki steps to the plate in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs fans honor Sandberg as they walk up to touch the statue of Ryne Sandberg and gather together during a public tribute, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, outside Wrigley Field. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)A photo of a young Ryne Sandberg is seen among items honoring the Cubs legend at the base of his statue in Gallagher Way outside of Wrigley Field in Chicago before a game between the Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 5, 2025. Sandberg died last week after a battle with cancer. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)A mascot for the Yomiuri Giants is prepped by a handler before an exhibition game between the Yomiuri Giants and Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2025, in Tokyo. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, and infielder Nicky Lopez laugh while playing basketball on the first day of full-squad workouts during spring training at Sloan Park Friday Feb. 14, 2025, in Mesa, Ariz. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 15A Pokemon character is dressed in a Cubs jersey as designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (27) exits the dugout for the opening day game against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on March 18, 2025, in Tokyo. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Expand The Cubs entered 2025 with one goal: Get back to the postseason. Their quest was tested early after opening the season in Japan for the Tokyo Series then losing left-hander Justin Steele for the season following left elbow surgery after four starts. The Cubs, though, got rolling, led by a deep lineup that helped them go 15 games over .500 in April and May. By the All-Star break, the Cubs had one of the best run-scoring offenses in the majors fueled by Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, the latter two earning starts in the Midsummer Classic. Tucker, acquired from Houston in the offseason, was the difference maker the organization envisioned with his patient approach and power from the left side. The Cubs navigated further injuries to their rotation, losing Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon for weeks, in part by a bullpen that evolved into a weapon by the end of the season. The 92-win Cubs secured the top wild-card spot to host the San Diego Padres for their first postseason appearance since 2020. They had not won a playoff series since 2017. That changed when the Cubs took the best-of-3 series by winning Game 3 at Wrigley Field to advance to the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Disastrous starts by Matthew Boyd and Imanaga quickly put the Cubs on the brink of elimination. Raucous Wrigley crowds helped the Cubs survive two elimination games to force a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee, where they ultimately fell short against their division rival. Crow-Armstrong’s breakout performance put him in rare company in franchise history, becoming only the second to record a 30-steal, 30-homer season, joining Sammy Sosa. Although his offensive production dropped off in the second half, Crow-Armstrong’s elite defense earned him a Gold Glove award, one of three Cubs to receive the hardware along with second baseman Nico Hoerner (second career) and left fielder Ian Happ (fourth straight). The Cubs are positioned to build upon their strong season and are currently positioned to rely largely on the same offensive group, besides Tucker, who is still looking to sign somewhere in free agency. Rebuilding the bullpen has been an offseason priority. But beyond those investments, the organization hasn’t handed out a contract this offseason that goes past two years. No matter what other upgrades the Cubs make in the lead-up to spring training, fans expect them to return to the playoffs in 2026. — Meghan Montemurro Chicago Fire Chicago Fire defender Joel Waterman celebrates with his teammates after the Fire’s 3-1 victory over the Orlando City in an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Oct. 22, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Fire fan Tyler Compoz, center, yells for what he thought should have been a penalty against Nashville on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Solder Field. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)Chicago Fire forward Jonathan Bamba (19) takes a shot on goal in the first half of an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game against Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Oct. 22, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Fire fans celebrate after the team's 3-1 victory over Orlando City during an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game Oct. 22, 2025, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)A fan waves an oversized Chicago Fire flag before the start of the Fire’s Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game against Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Oct. 22, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Pyrotechnics light up during pregame festivities as the Fire take on Nashville on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Solder Field. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)The Chicago Stars’ Ludmila, signs jerseys after a game against the Seattle Reign, which was part of doubleheader with the Chicago Fire at Solder Field Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Chicago. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)An artist's rendering shows the interior of the proposed Fire stadium. (Gensler)New pickleball courts as well as baseball and soccer fields are located along an extended South Wells Street inside The 78, a long vacant 62-acre former railyard site in the South Loop south of Roosevelt Road, on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)A sign marks The 78, a long vacant 62-acre former rail yard site in the South Loop south of Roosevelt Road, on June 1, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 10Chicago Fire defender Joel Waterman celebrates with his teammates after the Fire’s 3-1 victory over the Orlando City in an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview on Oct. 22, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Expand A new coach. A return to the MLS playoffs. Oh, and concrete plans for a new downtown stadium. The Chicago Fire in 2025 put together their best season in eight years — and made headlines off the field. The groundwork started in October 2024, when they hired Gregg Berhalter as the 10th coach in franchise history and put him in charge of their soccer operations just three months after he was fired as coach of the U.S. men’s national team. “I really see this opportunity as a sleeping giant,” Berhalter, now 53, said at his introductory news conference. “We want to be a dominant team in Major League Soccer. It will take some time, but we will get there.” Behind leading scorer Hugo Cuypers (17 goals) and playmaker Philip Zinckernagel (15 goals, 15 assists), the Fire went 15-11-8 in 2025 and finished eighth in the Eastern Conference, earning their first playoff berth since 2017. They beat Orlando City 3-1 in the wild-card game for their first postseason victory since 2009 before bowing out against the top-seeded Philadelphia Union in two games in a best-of-three first-round series. “The message after the game was that we made progress,” Berhalter said after the Game 2 loss. “I think this year was a step.” In more ways than one. Fire owner Joe Mansueto in June announced plans for a privately financed $650 million soccer stadium at The 78, a 62-acre site along the Chicago River at Roosevelt Road in the South Loop. The proposed 22,000-seat, open-air venue won approval from the Chicago City Council on Sept. 25, and Mansueto wants it finished in time for the 2028 season. “It’s transformative for the club, and I think for the city as well,” Mansueto said. — Chris Boghossian Chicago Sky Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) guards Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second quarter at Wintrust Arena Monday Aug. 25, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) celebrates after a 97-92 victory over the Wings on May 29, 2025, at Wintrust Arena. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Visitors tour the new practice facility for the Chicago Sky as they mark a construction milestone Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Sky center Kamilla Cardoso listens in on the bench during a timeout in the first half against the Liberty at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 11, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Sky guard Hailey Van Lith at media day Monday, May 12, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Sky coach Tyler Marsh gives some direction to his team in the first half against the Wings on May 29, 2025, at Wintrust Arena. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams (1) blocks Atlanta Dream forward Taylor Thierry (5) as she goes up for a shot in the fourth quarter at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Fever guard Aari McDonald and Sky guard Hailey Van Lith fight for a jump ball in the first half on June 7, 2025, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese chats with members of the media before a game against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Sept. 3, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 9Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) guards Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) during the second quarter at Wintrust Arena Monday Aug. 25, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Expand Another year of transition for the Sky resulted in heartbreak and controversy as the team failed to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The Sky ushered in a new era under first-year coach Tyler Marsh, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors. Marsh suffered a slow start in a league-worst 10-34 season. The season began with a nostalgic return. Point guard Courtney Vandersloot re-signed with her longtime team after two years in New York, where she won her second championship with the Liberty after leading the Sky to their first title in 2021. Vandersloot was intended to serve as a veteran centerpiece to aid in the development of young stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, but that vision was cut short when the guard suffered a torn ACL in a June 7 game against the Indiana Fever. The Sky made three draft selections, adding TCU’s Hailey Van Lith and Notre Dame’s Maddy Westbeld to the roster while also making a long-term decision by drafting Slovenian teenager Ajša Sivka, who did not report to Chicago in 2025 in part due to international commitments for the EuroBasket tournament. Van Lith and Westbeld both played limited minutes. Reese continued her domination of the boards on both sides of the court, leading the league with 12.6 rebounds per game. She was the Sky’s lone selection to the All-Star Game after spending the first half of the season transitioning to a “point forward” position that challenged her to play farther from the basket with the ball in her hands. However, Reese played only 30 games for the Sky because of a back injury that lingered for the latter half of the season. Her year ended in frustration after a series of comments made to the Tribune resulted in ownership suspending the star for a half-game. Reese did not play in the Sky’s final three games because of her back injury and opted out of media exit interviews. Off the court, the Sky continued to work toward the franchise’s primary goal of the past two years — completing a training facility in Bedford Park, which is expected to open within the first month of the 2026 season. Construction on the training facility was delayed because of several changes to the original plans, which included expanding the building’s footprint. The WNBA enters the new year facing uncharted uncertainty after the players’ union authorized a strike vote amid contentious negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Players and executives alike expect that CBA negotiations could delay the start of the 2026 season if a work stoppage is called for by either party. Once a deal is struck, teams will face a mad dash to assemble their rosters with 80% of the team currently waiting in free agency to sign deals under new minimum and maximum restrictions, which could see average salaries rise above $500,000. — Julia Poe Chicago Stars Chicago Stars fans celebrate after the Stars beat the Orlando Pride 5-2 at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Stars forward Mallory Swanson leaves the field after the Stars beat the Orlando Pride 5-2 at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Stars forward Ludmila (14) tries to score during the first half against Orlando Pride at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)The Chicago Stars and Orlando Pride players walk onto the field before the game at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Stars forward Ludmila (14) poses for a photo with young soccer players Zuri Toland, left, and Noureen Eltoumi after the Stars beat the Orlando Pride 5-2 at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Stars President Karen Leetzow smiles during the national anthem before the game against Orlando Pride at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Manaka Hayashi of the Chicago Stars signs jerseys after a game against the Seattle Reign, which was part of doubleheader with the Chicago Fire at Solder Field Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Chicago. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 7Chicago Stars fans celebrate after the Stars beat the Orlando Pride 5-2 at Martin Stadium in Evanston on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Expand The Stars will want to forget about their on-field results from this past year. Without star forward Mallory Swanson — whose pregnancy and birth of her daughter with husband and Cubs shortstop Dansby kept her out for the season — the Stars struggled to get rolling en route to just three wins, the fewest in the National Women’s Soccer League. Their 20 points tied them for last to accompany a league-worst minus-22 goal differential. The Stars fired head coach Lorne Donaldson following a 1-5 start after taking over the role in 2024. The club played better later in the season under interim coach Ella Masar, but ultimately fell short of producing a consistently good result on the pitch. They get a fresh look in 2026 under new head coach Martin Sjögren and Swanson back in the fold — and a new playing location in Northwestern’s Martin Stadium. The Stars are also bringing back Olympic goaltender Alyssa Naeher. — Meghan Montemurro Chicago White Sox Fans dressed as Pope Leo XIV walk through the stands while the White Sox play the Mariners at Rate Field, May 19, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a 2-run home run in the second inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field in Chicago on July 11, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth can’t catch a fly ball next to first baseman Tim Elko and outfielder Mike Tauchman as Detroit Tigers second baseman Colt Keith ties the game with an RBI single in the seventh inning Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Rate Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)White Sox catcher Kyle Teel dives for the plate to score on a wild pitch in the eighth inning against the Royals at Rate Field on June 6, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable (1) walks in the dugout before the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Rate Field Monday Aug. 11, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Andrea Burns, left, and Martina Maggiore find the recently installed mural of Pope Leo XIV in Section 140 before a White Sox-Rangers game at Rate Field on May 23, 2025. Chicagoans can buy tickets to a June 14 citywide celebration of Pope Leo XIV's election beginning Friday, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)The image of new Pope Leo XIV is shown on the big video board at Rate Field in Chicago before the White Sox host the Marlins on May 9, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero (7) and starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) congratulate one another after shutting down the Detroit Tigers in the second inning of a game at Rate Field in Chicago on June 3, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery reacts after striking out in the sixth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Rate Field in Chicago on Aug. 30, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. sits in the dugout before a game against the Phillies on July 30, 2025, at Rate Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 10Fans dressed as Pope Leo XIV walk through the stands while the White Sox play the Mariners at Rate Field, May 19, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Expand The White Sox made a 19-game improvement one year after suffering a modern-day MLB record 121 losses. Still, that wasn’t enough to avoid a third consecutive 100-loss season as they finished 60-102. The season featured a parade of young players receiving valuable big-league experience during Will Venable’s first season as manager. Shortstop Colson Montgomery went from hitting the reset button with individual work at the team’s Arizona facility to hitting 21 home runs after being called up to the majors on July 4. Infielder Chase Meidroth, catchers Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero and reliever Grant Taylor were among those also to make the jump from the minors to becoming impactful major-leaguers. Teel and Meidroth were acquired as part of the offseason trade that sent pitcher Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox in December 2024. Among the trades of note during the season, the Sox dealt 2019 first-round pick first baseman Andrew Vaughn to the Milwaukee Brewers in June after he was optioned to the minor leagues in late May. The club held on to center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who drew interest leading up to the trade deadline. Off the field, the team received buzz when news spread that the new pope is a Sox fan. They later unveiled a mural in his honor at Rate Field. And the Sox put in place the plan for the next chapter in the organization, announcing in June that Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and Justin Ishbia had reached a long-term investment agreement that establishes a framework for Ishbia to obtain a future controlling interest in the team. Reinsdorf has the option to sell his controlling interest to Ishbia from 2029-33. After the 2034 season, Ishbia would have the option to acquire the controlling interest. Back on the field, the Sox saw Rule 5 pick pitcher Shane Smith emerge as an All-Star. The Sox had periods during the second half in which everything clicked — winning nine of 11 from Aug. 31-Sept. 11 — and stretches of growing pains — the 1-11 record that followed from Sept. 12-25. General manager Chris Getz said a key to a more competitive 2026 for the team will be the continued development of the young core. The Sox received a boost at the winter meetings in late December when they won the lottery to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, which will take place in July in Philadelphia. — LaMond Pope College sports Illinois student fans hold a cutout of coach Brad Underwood wearing an eastern European style track suit as they cheer for a broadcast camera before a game against Alabama at the United Center on Nov. 19, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Illinois running back Aidan Laughery breaks free for a touchdown against Western Illinois on Aug. 29, 2025, in Champaign. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Northwestern Wildcats forward Nick Martinelli (2) prepares for the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Sister Dorothy “Dodie” Dwight, left, and Sister Ann DeNicolo, who were at Mundelein with Sister Jean, take a photo with a cardboard cutout of Sister Jean on display near her former office at the Damen Student Center at Loyola University during a reception after her funeral at Loyola University on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) keeps the ball for a rush in the first quarter against Northwestern at Wrigley Field on Nov. 15, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Illinois guard Kasparas Jakučionis (32) drives to the basket in the second half against Xavier in a first-round NCAA Tournament game on March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Kelly Amonte Hiller, head coach of the women’s lacrosse team at Northwestern, watches practice on April 15, 2025, in Evanston. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cassandre Prosper (8) battles TCU Horned Frogs guard Madison Conner (2) for a loose ball during the third quarter in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, March 29, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Jill Pizzotti, at Wintrust Arena on April 15, 2025, has been promoted to be the head coach of the DePaul women’s basketball program. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)Illinois football coach Bret Bielema and quarterback Luke Altmyer sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch June 17, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)An Illinois marching band majorette performs during the team walk-in to Memorial Stadium before a game against Western Illinois on Aug. 29, 2025, in Champaign. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Northwestern players celebrate after defeating Michigan 15-6 to win the Big Ten lacrosse championship on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Martin Stadium in Evanston. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Illinois coach Brad Underwood talks to his players during a timeout in the second half of a first-round NCAA Tournament game against Xavier on March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Actor Nick Offerman, left, poses for a selfie with Northwestern field hockey coach Will Byrne and son Simon before Offerman throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago Cubs game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Northwestern University field hockey players cheer after their teammate threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago Cubs game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Items of Sister Jean’s are on display near her former office at the Damen Student Center at Loyola University on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, as part of a memorial to her. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 16Illinois student fans hold a cutout of coach Brad Underwood wearing an eastern European style track suit as they cheer for a broadcast camera before a game against Alabama at the United Center on Nov. 19, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)Expand Illinois football didn’t quite live up to early expectations, which had the Illini ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press preseason poll. But behind a veteran group that included quarterback Luke Altmyer and outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, the Illini finished the regular season 8-4 to tie a program record with 18 wins over the last two seasons. If Illinois can top Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30, it would be the first time in program history that the team has had nine or more wins in consecutive years. Illinois basketball lost to Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and sent Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley off to become first-round NBA draft picks. The Illini retooled to create the Balkan Five — five players with Balkan heritage — who, with Champaign native Kylan Boswell, played to a 2-3 record over ranked teams early this season. The Illini women’s basketball team also made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament behind a senior-led group that included all-time rebounding leader Kendall Bostic. Coach Shauna Green, who led a second NCAA Tournament appearance in three seasons in Champaign, is trying to follow that up with a young team. Northwestern football rode a solid defense to a 6-6 record and an appearance in the GameAbove Sports Bowl against Central Michigan on Dec. 26, its second bowl appearance in three seasons under coach David Braun. The Wildcats played their second home season at the lakefront Martin Stadium and Wrigley Field as they await the opening of the new $862 million Ryan Field. Nick Martinelli was the Big Ten scoring leader last season for the Wildcats basketball team, but injuries, including to leader Brooks Barnhizer, marred the quest for a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Martinelli and transfer Arrinten Page lead a new-look group this season. Northwestern women’s sports had a banner year, with women’s golf winning its first national championship in May, field hockey winning its second straight title in November and women’s lacrosse making it to the national title game for the third straight year. Wildcats women’s basketball coach Joe McKeown announced he will retire after the 2025-26 season. In May, Northwestern reached settlements with football players who alleged hazing under former coach Pat Fitzgerald. The university then reached a settlement in Fitzgerald’s wrongful termination suit in August, saying it found no evidence that Fitzgerald directed or condoned hazing or had it reported to him by players. Three months later, Michigan State hired Fitzgerald to be its new coach. Notre Dame football finished its 2024 season as the national runner-up after losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff championship game. The ending to the 2025 season drew a lot of attention too. The Irish started the season 0-2, losing to ranked Miami and Texas AM by a total of four points, but won the next 10 games. That wasn’t enough to get into the CFP, and the Irish decided as a team to opt out of the bowl game that likely would have been played without some of their stars. Running back Jeremiyah Love finished a program-record-breaking season in third place in Heisman Trophy voting. Notre Dame women’s basketball reached No. 1 in the AP rankings in February behind star guards Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, but the Irish lost in the Sweet 16 for the fourth straight season. Miles shocked the basketball world by transferring to TCU, but Hidalgo, a two-time All-American, returned for this season. In a Nov. 12 game against Akron, she set the NCAA Division I record with 16 steals and also set a Notre Dame record with 44 points. Loyola men’s basketball lost its biggest fan in October. Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain who rose to national fame during the Ramblers’ NCAA Tournament runs, died at age 106. DePaul men’s basketball, under new coach Chris Holtmann, broke a 39-game regular-season Big East losing streak with a win over Georgetown in January. The women’s basketball team turned a page when coach Doug Bruno retired from coaching after 39 seasons, handing the reins to his longtime assistant, Jill Pizzotti. Northern Illinois announced that it would leave the Mid-American Conference after 39 seasons over two stints and join the Mountain West in football and the Horizon League in almost all of its other sports. North Central College football won the Division III national championship, the program’s third national title in five seasons. The Cardinals will play to defend their title on Jan. 4, facing UW-River Falls. Most Division I schools across the country began implementing revenue sharing with athletes in the wake of the House vs. NCAA settlement, with the majority of the $20.5 million per year going to football and men’s basketball players. Looking ahead to 2026, will Notre Dame football come back hungry to avenge its CFP snub? Does Illinois basketball have what it takes to compete against the Big Ten’s best this season? Can Notre Dame women’s basketball get over the Sweet 16 hump? Can Northwestern rack up more women’s national championships in the spring season? There will be plenty to watch. — Colleen Kane ...read more read less