The Chicago Sky's 2026 season has not unfolded as hoped, marking the third consecutive year the team will miss the playoffs. The struggles have been compounded by significant challenges, including the recent announcement that star free agent signing Skylar Diggins will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury that has plagued her since July 3.
In a press conference held shortly after the Sky's announcement, Diggins revealed that she has been managing this injury throughout the season, which has hindered her performance and the team's overall success. One of her primary frustrations has been the lack of a consistent practice facility, a situation she had anticipated would be resolved upon her signing a two-year, $1.86 million contract with the Sky.
The team had planned to debut a new $60 million practice facility at the start of the season, but delays have pushed back its completion multiple times. As of July, the Sky confirmed that the facility would not be operational until after the season's conclusion. "I think a lot of us were promised that," Diggins expressed, highlighting the disappointment felt within the team.
This season, the Sky have been forced to practice at various locations, including several colleges in Chicago and their home venue, Wintrust Arena. Reports indicate that the Sky incurred costs of $160,000 to utilize the University of Illinois in Chicago for approximately a month between April and May. Diggins noted that this lack of a dedicated training space has limited the players' ability to train effectively, stating, "Sometimes, we have limits or restrictions on how many hours we can be there, and that affects everything."
Injuries have significantly impacted the Sky's roster this season, as they currently lead the league in games missed due to injuries. Diggins emphasized the importance of having proper resources for injury management, suggesting that the new facility's amenities could alleviate some of these issues. "No shade, but you know we need resources. Obviously leading the league in injuries, I think it’s not coincidental," she remarked.
Looking ahead, Diggins is optimistic about the potential benefits of the new practice facility, which will be located in Bedford Park, a suburb just outside Chicago. She mentioned that the team is scheduled to tour the facility next week to assess progress. "I expect that next year, we won’t lead the league in games missed to injuries," Diggins stated, expressing hope that the new resources will help the team realize its full potential.
When asked if she would have signed with the Sky had she known about the facility delays, Diggins responded thoughtfully, acknowledging the complexities of such situations. "That’s hard to say... I understand how those things go as far as delays or whatever the case may be, or how it could be very nuanced as far as things that are out of your control," she explained.
Despite the challenges, Diggins remains committed to the Sky. After starting the first 19 games of the season, the team has struggled with a 6-13 record. Coach Tyler Marsh's decision to move Diggins to a bench role was disrupted by her injury, and she clarified that there had been no prior discussions about her fulfilling such a role. "We haven’t had any conversation on that being the case," she said, indicating that her focus remains on her recovery and future with the team.
As the Sky prepare for the final stretch of the season with a current record of 15-25 and four games remaining after the FIBA World Cup break, Diggins expressed her intention to continue with the team next year. "I haven’t expressed any desire to not talk about me in a Chicago Sky jersey next year," she affirmed, signaling her commitment to the franchise amidst a turbulent season.
Leave a Comment