Chicago Sky Sign 7-Time WNBA All-Star Skylar Diggins

The signing comes after the team's controversial trade of star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in bold, vibrant colors conceptually representing the signing of a veteran player to a team in transition.The signing of veteran star Skylar Diggins brings renewed energy and excitement to the Chicago Sky as they navigate a new era after trading away one of the WNBA's rising young talents.South Bend Today

The Chicago Sky have signed 7-time WNBA All-Star and 6-time All-WNBA guard Skylar Diggins to a two-year contract. The signing comes after the team's controversial trade of star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream earlier this week. Diggins, who is from South Bend, Indiana and played at Notre Dame, is entering her age-36 season and will provide veteran leadership and playmaking for the Sky.

Why it matters

The Sky have faced significant backlash for trading away Reese, one of the league's rising young stars. The signing of Diggins, a universally beloved veteran, helps offset that and gives the team a proven talent to build around as they look to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Sky announced the signing of Diggins on Saturday, with general manager Jeff Pagliocca saying the team has 'coveted' the 7-time All-Star for years. Diggins is coming off a season with the Seattle Storm where she averaged 15.5 points, 6 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. She will provide veteran leadership and playmaking to a Sky team that has a hole at the face-of-the-franchise position after trading away Reese.

  • The Sky announced the signing of Diggins on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Diggins is entering her age-36 season in the WNBA.

The players

Skylar Diggins

A 7-time WNBA All-Star and 6-time All-WNBA guard who has played in the league since 2013. She is from South Bend, Indiana and starred at Notre Dame before being drafted 3rd overall by the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings).

Jeff Pagliocca

The general manager of the Chicago Sky, who said the team has 'coveted' Diggins for years and is 'ecstatic' to bring her to Chicago.

Angel Reese

An All-Star forward who the Sky traded to the Atlanta Dream earlier this week, drawing significant backlash from fans and media.

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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, Chicago Sky General Manager

“Grateful doesn't even begin to cover it. Thank you to the Seattle organization for believing in me, supporting me, and giving me the opportunity to grow both on and off the court. To the FANS... your energy, love, and loyalty never went unnoticed! You made every moment unforgettable. Forever thankful for this chapter and everyone who was a part of it [green heart emoji].”

— Skylar Diggins

What’s next

The Sky will look to integrate Diggins into their lineup as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference despite the loss of Reese. Diggins' decision to sign with Chicago was reportedly influenced by proximity to her hometown of South Bend, Indiana and a 'generous offer' from the team.

The takeaway

The signing of Skylar Diggins is a savvy move by the Chicago Sky to add a proven veteran talent and fan favorite to their roster after the controversial trade of Angel Reese. While Reese's departure leaves a hole in the team's long-term future, Diggins brings leadership, playmaking, and excitement that should help the Sky remain competitive in the short term.