Sky Reload With Skylar Diggins, Azurá Stevens in Free Agency

Chicago adds All-Star guard and stretch big to bolster roster for playoff push

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The Sky's offseason moves have transformed the team into a WNBA contender, with the additions of veteran stars Skylar Diggins and Azurá Stevens.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have made a series of key free agency moves, headlined by the signing of six-time All-WNBA guard Skylar Diggins. The Sky also added versatile forward Azurá Stevens, a former Sky player, and acquired point guard Jacy Sheldon in a trade. With these additions, the Sky are positioning themselves as a playoff contender after a disappointing 2025 season.

Why it matters

The Sky's offseason moves represent a significant turnaround from their earlier decision to trade away franchise cornerstone Angel Reese. By bringing in veteran talent like Diggins and Stevens, the Sky are signaling their intent to compete at a high level and build a roster capable of making a deep playoff run.

The details

The Sky's biggest move was signing Skylar Diggins, one of the league's elite point guards, to a multi-year deal. Diggins, a six-time All-WNBA selection, averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 assists per game for the Seattle Storm over the last two seasons. The Sky also added versatile forward Azurá Stevens, who is coming off a career year with the Los Angeles Sparks, and acquired point guard Jacy Sheldon in a trade. With these additions, the Sky are poised to field a starting lineup featuring Diggins, Stevens, and potentially Rickea Jackson, pending a reported trade.

  • The Sky's free agency period officially opened on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Skylar Diggins signed with the Sky in the opening days of free agency.
  • Azurá Stevens agreed to return to the Sky after playing for the Sparks last season.

The players

Skylar Diggins

A six-time All-WNBA guard who has been one of the league's elite point guards for the past decade.

Azurá Stevens

A versatile 6'6" forward who is coming off a career year with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged a career-high 12.8 points per game and shot 38.1% from 3-point range.

Jacy Sheldon

A 25-year-old point guard who was the 5th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She has bounced around the league in her first two seasons but showed improvement as a 3-point shooter in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Skylar is a player we have coveted for years. We are ecstatic to bring her to Chicago. She is one of the all-time elite passers in our game and continues to play at a high level on both sides of the ball.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, Sky General Manager

“Diggins is the kind of player who elevates everyone around her. She is a true veteran leader, and she possesses unmatched speed and shot creation potential. I can't wait to work with her.”

— Tyler Marsh, Sky Head Coach

“I'm truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky. This city means everything to me. The culture, the people, the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I'm ready to get to work, embrace the moment, and give everything I have. Let's work.”

— Azurá Stevens

What’s next

The Sky are reportedly in talks to trade Ariel Atkins to the Sparks for Rickea Jackson, which would give them a starting lineup featuring Diggins, Cardoso, Stevens, and Jackson - a formidable group on paper. The team will also need to fill out the rest of their roster and determine their long-term point guard solution, with both Diggins and Courtney Vandersloot nearing the end of their careers.

The takeaway

The Sky's aggressive offseason moves have transformed the team from a disappointment in 2025 to a potential playoff contender in 2026. By adding proven veterans like Skylar Diggins and Azurá Stevens, the Sky have significantly upgraded their roster and are poised to compete at a high level in the WNBA's Eastern Conference.