​Skylar Diggins and the Sky remain at the center of a fresh controversy ahead of the Mercury game, a story that has already stirred the Chicago franchise as it vents into a new chapter of ongoing drama. The Sporting News first highlighted the issue, and readers can add The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. There’s never a dull moment for a team that has endured more than its share of turmoil, and the Sky’s latest headlines keep that theme alive.
The Sky, a franchise long connected with upheaval, appeared to be teetering on the edge of more fireworks when they signed Skylar Diggins to a two-year free-agent deal. Diggins, a seven-time All-Star and a six-time All-WNBA selection, has drawn attention not only for her high-level basketball prowess but also for a personality that some perceive as outspoken. As Chicago prepared for their Tuesday matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, Diggins disclosed in a Monday Instagram video that she has been relegated to the bench since her rookie season in 2013, a revelation that has intensified the discussion around her role and the Sky’s direction.
“The crazy part about it all is I’ve been so quiet,” Diggins said Monday in the Instagram Stories clip. “I’ve been so good and quiet.” Later that day, she confirmed the development in conversations with reporters. “I’ve been putting my body on the line all year for this team. I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me,” Diggins stated. “I’ve been great professionally, that’s the decision that’s been made, and I gotta live with that.” Sky head coach Tyler Marsh has described the change as a “coach’s decision,” but the choice clearly reflects a broader effort to halt Chicago’s slide in the standings.
After a promising 2-0 start, the Sky have dropped 14 of 18 contests, underscoring a season of volatility for a roster in flux. A season-ending injury has sidelined rising star Rickea Jackson with a torn ACL, and the franchise’s offseason trade of Angel Reese precipitated a significant overhaul. In addition, the anticipated return of veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot from injury was always expected to reshape the backcourt rotation, further complicating lineup decisions.
Chicago has continued to stand by Vandersloot, regarded by many as one of the franchise’s greatest players, as she recovered from an ACL injury. The 37-year-old has appeared in three games off the bench and could be in line to reclaim a starting role on Tuesday night in Phoenix, depending on how the coach navigates the rotation. The evolving dynamic within the Sky’s backcourt and the appearance of Diggins’ bench status add another layer to a season already defined by upheaval, leadership questions, and a push to stabilize performances on the court.
Meanwhile, the team’s broader narrative remains anchored in its choices at guard and wing, with the return of Vandersloot serving as a potential catalyst for on-court chemistry and leadership as the Sky look to reverse their slide. The ongoing discussion around Diggins’ role invites deeper scrutiny of how Chicago intends to balance veteran leadership, development of younger players, and a continued pursuit of consistency amid a season marked by injuries and roster turnover.
As the Sky prepare for their clash with Phoenix, the conversation surrounding Diggins’ bench status underscores a larger dynamic within Chicago’s roster—one defined by the tension between preserving veteran excellence and cultivating a new core capable of sustaining sustained success in a competitive league. The coming weeks will reveal whether this decision is a short-term adjustment or indicative of a longer-term strategic pivot for a franchise seeking stability amid a turbulent stretch.