The city of Chicago takes center court in a powerful new campaign from BarkleyOKRP marking the Chicago Sky’s 20th season in the WNBA. The campaign, which kicked off earlier this year and continues rolling out this summer, treats the Windy City as the team’s sixth player, highlighting the grit, swagger, and relentless hustle that define both the franchise and its home.
Celebrating not only two decades of Sky basketball but also the heartbeat of the team’s loyal fan base, “Skytown,” the campaign showcases bold visuals of Sky players set against iconic Chicago landmarks. From towering skyscrapers to streets pulsing with energy, the videos are an invitation to celebrate everything Chicago stands for: resilience, pride, and love for the game.
“The Chicago Sky have a legacy built on breaking boundaries and rewriting the narrative for women in sports,” said Tania Haladner, Chief Marketing Officer for the team. “These two films amplify the voices of our players and unify the broader Chicago community. They acknowledge the power of coming together to celebrate our growth and the importance of Chicago and our fans.”
Created in partnership with BarkleyOKRP, the films exude authenticity and emotion. The first video debuted as the Sky’s official tipoff video for the season, played inside Wintrust Arena to hype up home crowds. A second film, which dropped more recently across social channels, digs deeper—focusing on the unshakable grit of Sky players and the broader Chicago spirit.
Featured in both videos are Sky stars including Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Michaela Onyenwere. Their presence looms large—literally—as the visuals position them as skyscrapers woven into the city’s fabric. The first video is driven by the energy of PartyOf2’s viral track Poser (Def Jam), which is currently racking up over 1 million global weekly streams.
The second film shifts the focus slightly, spotlighting the essential work of women on the court, in the community, and across the city. It’s an emotional tribute to the Sky’s mission to empower women and inspire the next generation.
Narration pulses over visuals of Chicago’s women and Sky legends like Allie Quigley—whose No. 14 jersey was recently retired—and Candace Parker, who will receive the same honor on August 25.
“In Chicago, our grind knows no limits. We work ’round the clock. The buzzer don’t stop nothin’,” the narrator declares. And the sound design matches the message: an original score by Yessian Music, inspired by the rhythmic swagger of Chicago juke, elevates the film with a beat that could only belong to this city. Watch below:
Grace Ferolo, Senior Brand Strategist at BarkleyOKRP, noted the campaign grew out of an authentic partnership: “We’ve had the privilege of working with the Chicago Sky on initiatives around mental health and women in sport. That gave us an inside look at the power of this brand—and how much it means to this city.”
Produced by Banner Studios, Southside Films, and CosmoStreet, the campaign is more than just a celebration of a basketball milestone—it’s a love letter to Chicago. And in the city where basketball was always more than just a game, “We Go Sky High” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a promise.
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