Chicago Sky Coach Sends Strong Message on Kamilla Cardoso
As Brazil opened its FIBA Women's AmeriCup campaign in Santiago, Chile, longtime center and 2023 tournament MVP Kamilla Cardoso immediately reminded fans why she's arguably the most dynamic threat on the floor.
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In four group‑stage games, the 24‑year‑old averaged 11.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.5 steals across a 21.5 efficiency rating, the highest rating in the tournament.
Brazil remains unbeaten through the preliminary round, with Cardoso's interior presence playing a pivotal role in the country's dominant run thus far (+114 plus-minus rating).
On Wednesday, Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh praised Cardoso's impressive play for Brazil.
"I think that she's been aggressive, they've been winning games," Marsh said. "So she's having fun out there, she's staying healthy. And so we're looking forward to continuing to see what she does, but also we're looking forward to having her back as well."
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Since drafting Cardoso third overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, the Sky have leaned on her versatility as a rim protector and secondary scorer, earning All-Rookie team honors last season.
She is again off to a strong start this year. In her 14 games this season before departing for AmeriCup, she averaged 12.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in just 23.1 minutes per contest, shooting an efficient 56.1% from the field.
Chicago Sky's Kamilla Cardoso (10) is putting up impressive numbers for Brazil in the FIBA AmeriCup.Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Brazil's quarterfinal clash is set for Friday, with the semi-finals taking place on Saturday before the championship game on Sunday, should Brazil advance that far.
Chicago's next matchups are Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx, next Tuesday against the Washington Mystics and a home matchup with the Dallas Wings on July 9.
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With Chicago sitting at 5-11 and in need of a spark, Cardoso's upcoming return could shift momentum.
Related: New DeWanna Bonner Update Emerges After Release From Indiana Fever
Related: WNBA Responds to Big Caitlin Clark News on Sunday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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The revenue sharing structure established now will determine whether players benefit from the success their talent and marketability are driving into the future. As union president Nneka Ogwumike articulated during recent negotiations, "We see the growth in the league and as it stands, the current salary system is not really paying us what we're owed. We want to be able to have that fair share moving forward, especially as we see all of the investment going in." The key phrase from Ogwumike is "moving forward." Current negotiations are not simply about adjusting salaries to match existing revenue, but about creating structures that allow players to benefit from the growth trajectory for the league. Further, the "revenue isn't there" argument collapses under scrutiny because it conflates current constrained revenue with market potential. Every metric suggests the WNBA operates well below its revenue ceiling due to strategic choices rather than market limitations. 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Each new market brings additional revenue streams through ticket sales, local sponsorships, and regional media rights. The expansion trajectory suggests demand far exceeds current supply, creating artificial scarcity that limits overall league revenue potential. of the Indiana Fever and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty wears a shirt saying "Pay us what you owe us" prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Less Getty Images 'Pay Us What You Own Us' When a trading card commands more market value than the athletes themselves can earn, the system isn't simply unfair, it's also inefficient. The WNBA's current revenue-sharing model represents a fundamental misallocation of resources that constrains the very growth it claims to seek. Players receiving less than 10% of league revenue while generating record viewership, sold-out arenas, and $250 million expansion fees defies basic economic principles that govern every other major sports league. The "Pay Us What You Owe Us" movement isn't about charity or special treatment. It's about applying standard sports economics to a league that has operated under artificial constraints for too long. When players can focus exclusively on their craft without being forced to compete overseas for additional income, when games air in optimal time slots, and when the season expands to meet demand, it's more than likely that the revenue ceiling will experience a significant rise. When a piece of cardboard sells for more than the maximum salary, it reveals the WNBA's fundamental failure to invest in the very players whose talent and marketability have generated and will continue to generate historic growth and fan demand.
