Sep 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) shoots the ball against Las Vegas Aces forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (32) in the first half during game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

WNBA Star Skylar Diggins Put Chicago Sky on Blast After Losing Her Starting Spot

Jul 7, 2026, 5:08 AM CUT

Skylar Diggins-Smith was informed that she would be coming off the bench for the Chicago Sky's road game against the Phoenix Mercury. The decision officially ends an incredible streak of 277 consecutive regular-season starts

It will be the first time she has played as a reserve player since the 2016 season. After receiving the news, Diggins-Smith posted a series of updates on her personal Instagram Stories.

“Now I’m coming off the bench?????? Cool." In the next story, she said, “The crazy part about it all is I’ve been so quiet. I’ve been so good and quiet. I’ve been so good and quiet.”

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 19: Skylar Diggins 4 of the Seattle Storm looks on during the first half against the Chicago Sky on August 19, 2025 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA AUG 19 Seattle Storm at Chicago Sky EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250819075

These statements were captured and shared by the X account @UnderdogWNBA. Diggins-Smith is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and a six-time All-WNBA selection who has always been a primary leader on the floor.

When she signed a two-year contract with Chicago, she arrived with the expectation of being a central piece of the starting lineup.

She had started every single game of the season up until this point, making the move to the bench feel like a demotion.

Diggins-Smith later addressed the media while the team was preparing for their game in Phoenix.

She explained that she has been putting her body on the line all year for the franchise and has done everything asked of her by the staff. She noted that she has remained professional and will live with the choice.

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh framed the move as a necessary step to find answers during a difficult season. Entering the game with a disappointing 6-14 record, the coaching staff felt compelled to adjust the starting backcourt.

Courtney Vandersloot was chosen to replace Diggins-Smith in the starting unit to provide a different look.

Coach Tyler Marsh called it a tactical adjustment, but sources suggest roster friction.

The Real Reason Behind Skylar Diggins' Frustration

There have been reports of internal frustration regarding inadequate practice facilities and a lack of proper organizational resources to support.

Diggins-Smith, hinting at the physical sacrifices she made while remaining quiet, suggests that these issues have been wearing on the roster for months.

According to data tracked by ESPN, the Sky have struggled with a 6-14 record, leaving them near the bottom of the league standings. The team is scoring an average of 86.6 points per game while giving up around 90.0 points per game.

Advanced metrics highlight a negative net rating caused by defensive lapses and an inability to execute cleanly in the final minutes of tight games.

Diggins-Smith is certainly not the primary reason for Chicago's losing record. She leads the Sky with 4.9 assists and 0.9 steals per game, while sitting as the team’s second-leading scorer with 14.2 points per contest.

The staff chose Vandersloot to replace Diggins-Smith, hoping a different ball-handler would spark the offense.

How do you think the coaching staff should handle veteran stars in the coming games?

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha