Skylar Diggins Ruled Out for Rest of 2026 Season With Knee Injury

Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season due to a lingering knee injury. She will focus on recovering and returning to the court in 2027.

The Sky announced the decision on Sept. 1, as the WNBA is on break until Sept. 17 for international play. Chicago general manager Jeff Pagliocca spoke about Diggins' decision.

“We’re in full support of Skylar and want to make sure we are steadfastly prioritizing her health,” Pagliocca said. “Skylar made a strong effort to get back to the court this season. She’s been in constant communication with us through the entire process.”

During the offseason, Diggins signed a two-year contract worth up to $1.86 million with the franchise. She is currently 35 and has one more year remaining on her contract.

The Notre Dame product only played in 19 games for Chicago this season due to an aggravating knee injury. She averaged 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range.

Diggins has not appeared in a game since July, when she came off the bench as the team struggled to find consistency. Before coming off the bench in July, she posted on social media that she was demoted, which sparked conversation online.

After the comments about her coming off the bench, there was speculation that the 35-year-old could be traded. Needless to say, she remained on the team and worked toward rehabbing her knee.

The Chicago guard will be rehabbing from this point on to prepare for the 2027 season.

The Sky were eliminated from playoff contention for the 2026 season. However, the team has experienced some bright spots this season.

Guard Sydney Taylor has been elevated as one of the team's closers, as she has hit two game-winners this season. Center Kamilla Cardoso has become a dominant force in the paint and has provided the franchise with the interior talent needed.

Guard DiJonai Carrington has changed the intensity of the team on both sides of the floor with her ability to defend at a high level and score at all three levels.

Veteran guard Natasha Cloud continues to push the team despite its overall record. Each night, this Chicago team has a chance to win against any team.

Although the team lost guard Rickea Jackson and Wiggins for the season, it will have depth next season if the roster returns.

The Sky are 15-25 and are in 10th place in the league standings. Once the league resumes play on Sept. 17, Chicago will have four games remaining. Three of those matchups will be against teams above .500.