Ajša Sivka Committed to University of Kentucky
The Chicago Sky draft pick has elected to play four collegiate seasons in Lexington before entering the WNBA.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
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Ajša Sivka has committed to play for the University of Kentucky through 2030, bypassing the WNBA despite being the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft. The international prospect remained eligible for college because she did not personally register for the selection process.
Why it matters
Sivka opted for collegiate development over an immediate professional transition, stating she felt unprepared for the WNBA level. Her decision provides the Kentucky Wildcats with a player who previously averaged 15.9 points per game in international competition.
Sivka was selected 10th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, maintaining an average of 15.9 points per game during the 2023 FIBA U18 Women's European Championship.
The players
Ajša Sivka
She is an international basketball prospect who was selected 10th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Chicago Sky
This professional WNBA team finished the 2026 season with a record of 16-28 and retains the draft rights to Ajša Sivka.
University of Kentucky
This educational institution located in Lexington will host Ajša Sivka for four seasons of basketball.
Kamilla Cardoso
She served as the leading scorer for the Chicago Sky during the 2026 season with an average of 14.7 points per game.
The details
The Chicago Sky hold her draft rights until 2030, leaving the door open for her future professional arrival. Compliance offices confirmed her collegiate eligibility as she was automatically included in the draft list as an international prospect rather than entering it personally.
Timeline
Ajša Sivka was selected in the WNBA Draft in 2025.
Rickea Jackson tore an ACL in her left knee in May 2026.
Skylar Diggins suffered a knee injury in July 2026.
The University of Kentucky will play Morehead State in November 2026.
Sivka's eligibility at the University of Kentucky ends in 2030.
Season Trajectory
Sivka's commitment to Kentucky alters the long-term outlook for the Wildcat roster through 2030. Her decision to delay professional play maintains the competitive balance for the program while leaving the Chicago Sky to rely on current core players like Kamilla Cardoso.
Kentucky fans will see the 10th overall pick suit up for the program for a four-year commitment. This significantly strengthens the Wildcats' rotation depth through 2030 while delaying the professional debut of the top prospect for the Chicago Sky.
The takeaway
Sivka's decision highlights the flexibility international players have when they do not personally declare for the WNBA draft. Collegiate fans can expect to see her skill development firsthand in Lexington for the next four seasons.
What happens next
The University of Kentucky is scheduled to play against Morehead State in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current team roster and developments, visit Lexington Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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