Honestly, if you’ve been following the WNBA for more than a minute, you know Skylar Diggins. She isn't just a point guard; she’s a whole mood. From the headband days at Notre Dame to becoming the face of the Seattle Storm’s 2024–2025 resurgence, her journey has been anything but a straight line.
She’s fast. Like, "blink and you missed the layup" fast. But what makes her actually interesting isn't just the 15.5 points per game she averaged in 2025. It’s the fact that she’s basically lived three different lives in one career.
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The Seattle Storm Era: More Than a Comeback
A lot of people counted her out after she took the 2023 season off. Big mistake. When she signed with the Seattle Storm in February 2024, the vibes in the PNW shifted immediately. She didn't just play; she dominated. She ended up winning the AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, proving that motherhood and elite athleticism aren't mutually exclusive.
In 2025, she took it up another notch. She was dishing out 6.0 assists per game, finding teammates like Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor with the kind of precision that makes you wonder if she has eyes in the back of her head.
The pick-and-roll she ran with Ogwumike became the Storm’s bread and butter. It’s simple, really. Skylar gets the screen, the defense hesitates for a split second, and she either teleports to the rim or zips a pass to the open shooter. That connection helped Seattle clinch a playoff spot and push the Las Vegas Aces to a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2025 first round.
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Why Everyone Talked About Her in 2025
It wasn't just the basketball. Off the court, things got heavy. In early 2025, news broke that she was filing for divorce from her husband, Daniel Smith. They’d been together since their Notre Dame days—the college sweethearts everyone rooted for.
She even went back to using her maiden name, Skylar Diggins, professionally.
On social media, she was incredibly raw about it. She called herself "God’s strongest soldier" for balancing a messy divorce, raising two kids (Rowen Seven and Ana Lia Irie), and still dropping 20-point games. It’s the kind of stuff you don't usually see from superstars. Most athletes keep a "no comment" policy, but Skylar? She kept it real.
The Business of Being Skylar
She’s a mogul. Simple as that. She was the first woman athlete to sign with Roc Nation Sports back in the day. Fast forward to now, and her partnership with PUMA is still one of the strongest in the league. She isn't just wearing the shoes; she’s designing them. Her "Reflections" capsule collection with PUMA was all about her ten-year journey in the league, and honestly, the gear looked better than most NBA collabs.
She also got into the finance game. Partnering with Public.com, she started pushing for financial literacy, specifically for women of color. She’s one of the highest-paid players in the league—earning an average annual salary of around $211,343 in 2025—but she’s always vocal about how that’s still not enough compared to the guys.
The Notre Dame Legend
You can't talk about Skylar without mentioning South Bend. At Notre Dame, she was a literal rockstar. She’s the only player in the school’s history (men’s or women’s) to put up 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 steals.
That’s a "do-it-all" stat line if I’ve ever seen one.
She led the Fighting Irish to three straight Final Fours. Even though they never quite grabbed the trophy, she left as the school's all-time leading scorer. That competitive fire she has now? It was forged in those high-stakes college games.
What’s Next for Skylar Diggins?
Going into 2026, she’s an unrestricted free agent. That’s huge. Every team in the league is going to be looking at her stats from the 2025 season and wondering if they can convince her to bring that "South Bend Swag" to their city.
She also joined the Unrivaled league, the new 3-on-3 pro league. It gives her a chance to stay stateside during the offseason rather than heading to Europe like most players used to have to do. More time with her kids, more time to build her brand, and more time to stay healthy.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Athletes:
- Study the Pick-and-Roll: If you’re a young guard, watch tape of Skylar and Nneka from the 2025 season. It’s a masterclass in reading defensive rotations and timing.
- Prioritize Recovery: Skylar’s 2024–2025 "comeback" was fueled by a smart approach to post-pregnancy fitness. Don't rush the process; focus on core stability and lateral quickness.
- Build Your Brand Early: Follow Skylar’s lead by diversifying your interests. Whether it's fashion, finance, or coaching, don't let your identity be 100% tied to just the court.
- Watch the 2026 Free Agency: Keep an eye on where she lands. Her choice will likely shift the power balance of the entire WNBA, especially with expansion teams on the horizon.
She’s been through the ACL tear in 2015, the trade from Dallas, the drama in Phoenix, and now a major life transition in Seattle. Through it all, she’s stayed one of the most watchable players in the world. Whatever jersey she puts on next, you can bet she’s going to be the hardest worker on the floor.