Skylar Diggins Returns Closer to South Bend Roots with Chicago Sky

The Washington High School legend and Notre Dame star said being close to home was a key factor in her decision.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and skills of a basketball player, rendered in a vibrant palette of navy, green, and gold. The image conceptually represents the homecoming of a celebrated player to her Midwest roots.A dynamic visual interpretation of Skylar Diggins' homecoming to the Chicago Sky, capturing the energy and excitement of her return to the Midwest.South Bend Today

South Bend native Skylar Diggins recently signed with the WNBA's Chicago Sky, bringing the Washington High School legend and Notre Dame star closer to her hometown. Diggins cited being closer to family, friends, and her support system as major factors in her decision to join the Chicago Sky.

Why it matters

Diggins' return to the Midwest marks a homecoming for one of the most celebrated basketball players to come out of South Bend. Her signing with the Chicago Sky continues a trend of top Notre Dame women's basketball players signing lucrative WNBA contracts, showcasing the program's ability to develop elite talent.

The details

After the Chicago Sky introduced Diggins to the media, she told WNDU that being close to home was 'one of the biggest parts' of her decision. Diggins said she expects a surge in season ticket requests from fans who supported her growing up in South Bend and during her time at Notre Dame. She also noted that her support system, including her parents and a nanny, will be more accessible with the move closer to home.

  • Diggins recently signed with the Chicago Sky in April 2026.

The players

Skylar Diggins

A South Bend native and Washington High School legend who starred at Notre Dame before being drafted by the WNBA. She recently signed with the Chicago Sky, citing proximity to her hometown as a key factor.

Jackie Young

A Notre Dame alumna who finalized a one-year, $1.19 million deal in this year's WNBA free agency.

Arike Ogunbowale

The all-time leading scorer for the Dallas Wings, who signed a multi-year contract worth $1.4 million in this year's WNBA free agency.

Jewell Loyd

A Notre Dame alumna who signed a three-year, $2.2 million deal with the Las Vegas Aces in this year's WNBA free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, one of the biggest parts in making this decision was being close to home, seeing some familiar faces. Obviously, spent a lot of time at South Bend. And so, not just the fans that were with me growing up, but also the fans that were supporting me while I was at Notre Dame.”

— Skylar Diggins

“No doubt, my whole life, I've always had a support system, and it hasn't changed since I had kids. What I'm most excited about is being closer to those resources, closer to home, being able to visit my grandparents, being able to visit my parents when I want to.”

— Skylar Diggins

What’s next

Diggins is expected to make her debut with the Chicago Sky in the upcoming 2026 WNBA season, as she looks to lead the team to success and continue her homecoming in the Midwest.

The takeaway

Skylar Diggins' decision to sign with the Chicago Sky represents a homecoming for one of South Bend's most celebrated basketball stars. Her move closer to home highlights the importance of family, community, and support systems for elite athletes, as well as the continued success of the Notre Dame women's basketball program in producing WNBA talent.