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Chicago Sky Benches Diggins, Turns to Vandersloot

7/7/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Diggins Benched

On July 6, 2026, the Chicago Sky announced guard Skylar Diggins will be benched after 19 starts.
Diggins, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 39% shooting, was told by Coach Tyler Marsh that the move is his decision.
The Sky, sitting at 6-14 and 4½ games behind Washington for the eighth playoff spot, could start veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is back from a torn ACL.

Summary

Parker Demands Maturity

Sky player Candace Parker stated the club needs more maturity and leadership from players and staff.
Parker called the season "extremely frustrating" after the Sky's seventh loss in 11 games.
Fans reacted on Instagram, with some suggesting trades and others expressing disappointment.
The Sky remain at the bottom of the league standings.

Summary

Sky Overhauls

The Sky overhauled roster, trading Angel Reese to Atlanta and adding guard Skylar Diggins plus rookies Rickea Jackson, DiJonai Carrington, Azura Stevens and Jacy Sheldon.
Rickea Jackson is out with a lingering injury while DiJonai Carrington has not yet played, prompting Chicago to draft Gabriela Jaquez.
The Sky posted a 13-27 record in 2024 and a 10-34 record in 2025, leaving the team far from optimism that preceded the rebuild.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the WNBA announced Chicago’s expansion, and the Sky’s inaugural 2006 season ended 5-29 under coach Dave Cowens. After decades of turnover, the franchise won its first championship in 2021 with Candace Parker’s arrival. The 2026 benching of Skylar Diggins echoes the long-standing search for consistent leadership, now driving recent aggressive trades.

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Diggins Benched

On July 6, 2026, the Chicago Sky announced guard Skylar Diggins will be benched after 19 starts.
Diggins, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 39% shooting, was told by Coach Tyler Marsh that the move is his decision.
The Sky, sitting at 6-14 and 4½ games behind Washington for the eighth playoff spot, could start veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, who is back from a torn ACL.

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