Skylar Diggins-Smith – Phoenix Mercury Net Worth, Contract, Detailed Information

Skylar Diggins-Smith has made a name for herself in the world of professional basketball, rising to prominence with her skill and leadership on the court. A four-time WNBA All-Star, she has consistently demonstrated her talent since being drafted third overall in 2013 by the Tulsa Shock.

Recently, she embarked on a new chapter with the Seattle Storm, joining a team of strong contenders in the league.

Known for her exceptional scoring and passing abilities, Skylar has proven to be an invaluable asset to any team she plays for. Her journey from high school accolades like National Gatorade Player of the Year to becoming a key player in the WNBA underscores her dedication and passion for the sport.

Her move to the Seattle Storm has positioned her alongside standout talents such as Jewell Loyd.

Her fresh start with the Seattle Storm marks an exciting phase filled with potential and opportunity. Fans and analysts eagerly watch as Skylar teams up with other basketball greats in her pursuit of excellence and success in the league.

Who Is Skylar Diggins-Smith?

Skylar Diggins-Smith is a standout name in women’s basketball. Known for her skills on the court, she has carved a notable career in the WNBA. She is also well known for her family life and personal achievements.

Where Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Grow Up?

Skylar Diggins-Smith was born in South Bend, Indiana, on August 2, 1990. She grew up in a family that supported her early passion for basketball.

The city, known for its strong sports culture, provided a vibrant environment for her to nurture her talents.

From a young age, she showed remarkable skills, making her mark in local leagues and tournaments. Her upbringing in South Bend was influential in shaping her basketball journey, giving her a platform to pursue her dreams at a professional level.

This town played a key role in molding her as an athlete and a person.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s High School Career

Skylar attended Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana. Here, she quickly became a basketball sensation, setting a high standard with her impressive performances.

During her high school years, she led her team to the state championship.

In 2009, she earned the title of National Gatorade Player of the Year. Her high school career was marked by numerous accolades, showcasing her as one of the most promising prospects in the country.

Her success in high school laid the foundation for her future accomplishments in the sport.

Where Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Live?

Skylar Diggins-Smith currently resides in the Seattle area. She plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, reflecting her commitment to her professional career.

Living in Seattle helps her stay connected with her team and engage with the local community.

Her residence in Seattle serves as a base for her career and personal life. Being in the city enables her to balance her professional responsibilities with her family life, maintaining her status as a prominent figure in women’s basketball.

Who Is Skylar Diggins-Smith Married To?

Skylar Diggins-Smith is married to Daniel Smith, a former football player from the University of Notre Dame. The couple met in college and started dating in 2014. Their shared love for sports created a strong bond between them.

In 2016, Daniel proposed to Skylar during an art exhibit, and they got married in April 2017. Their wedding took place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, marking a significant event in their lives.

The couple supports each other in their professional and personal endeavors.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Have Children?

Skylar and Daniel Smith are parents, embracing the joys of family life alongside their careers. Their child adds a new dimension to Skylar’s life, balancing her roles as an athlete and a mother.

She frequently shares insights from her family life on social media, highlighting her commitment to her family.

Being a parent has influenced her perspective, bringing a unique depth to her identity beyond just her basketball journey. This balance between family and professional life showcases her ability to excel on both fronts.

What Controversies Have Surrounded Skylar Diggins-Smith?

Skylar Diggins-Smith has been at the center of a few controversies during her career. Occasionally, these events have sparked public debate and media scrutiny.

Has Skylar Diggins-Smith Ever Been Arrested?

Skylar Diggins-Smith has not been arrested. Her career has been focused on her accomplishments on the basketball court and her role as a public figure advocating for important causes.

One significant topic surrounding her is her advocacy for better maternity leave policies in sports. During her career, she openly discussed her experiences with postpartum depression and the challenges of balancing professional sports with motherhood.

Her statements have raised awareness and fostered discussions on how sports organizations can support athletes during and after pregnancy.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Social Media Presence

Skylar Diggins-Smith has carved out a significant niche on social media. She shares insights into her life beyond basketball, offering fans a closer look at her personal and professional endeavors.

Her profiles highlight her dynamic personality and interactions with fellow athletes.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Off-Court Interests and Hobbies

Diggins-Smith’s social media showcases her interests outside the court, providing a glimpse into her active off-court life. She often shares moments of family life, displaying her connection with her husband and son.

Fans appreciate these heartwarming posts, which contrast with her competitive on-court persona.

In addition to family, she highlights fitness and fashion. Her Instagram account features exercise routines and stylish outfits that resonate with followers.

Her posts also interact with fellow athletes like Noelle Quinn, showcasing camaraderie within the sports community.

She frequently supports charitable causes, using her platform to raise awareness. Her social media presence, enriched with personal and professional touches, underscores her multifaceted personality.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s College Basketball Career

Skylar Diggins-Smith shined on the college basketball stage, leaving a mark with several awards and memorable games. Her college journey was characterized by accolades, achievements, and performances that captivated fans and talent scouts alike.

Where Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Play College Basketball?

Skylar Diggins-Smith played for the University of Notre Dame. During her time there, she stood out as a top player in the country. The Fighting Irish benefited greatly from her skills on the court.

She led her team to multiple successful seasons, becoming a key figure in their rich basketball tradition. Her impact was evident in the way she could change the game’s pace and flow with her playmaking abilities.

What Awards Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Accomplish In College Basketball?

Diggins-Smith was a standout athlete at Notre Dame, earning numerous accolades. She was named an All-American, highlighting her as one of the top players nationwide.

Her exceptional play earned her the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the nation’s best point guard. Furthermore, she was recognized as the Big East Player of the Year, solidifying her status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball.

What National Games Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Win In College Basketball?

During her tenure at Notre Dame, Diggins-Smith helped lead her team to the NCAA Final Four twice. These appearances in the national spotlight highlighted her ability to perform under pressure.

Although they did not clinch the national championship, her performances established her as a crucial player in taking the team deep into the tournament, showcasing her leadership and skill.

Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Receive NIL Money?

Skylar Diggins-Smith played college basketball before the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. At that time, college athletes were not allowed to earn money from endorsements or personal branding.

As such, she did not benefit from NIL money during her college career. Today, the NIL landscape has changed, allowing current student-athletes opportunities that were not available when she played.

Did Skylar Diggins-Smith Use The Transfer Portal?

Diggins-Smith remained committed to Notre Dame throughout her college career. She did not use the transfer portal, a system that allows college athletes to transfer schools more freely while maintaining eligibility.

Her loyalty to Notre Dame paid off with a successful collegiate career that paved the way for her future professional endeavors.

Is Skylar Diggins-Smith Still Involved With Their College?

Skylar Diggins-Smith maintains a connection with Notre Dame as an alumna. She has returned to campus for events and alumni activities.

Her time at the university left a lasting impression, both personally and professionally. Her involvement with the school helps inspire current student-athletes, bridging her legacy with the next generation of players.

Similar Active College Athletes To Skylar Diggins-Smith

Today, athletes like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are showing similar promise in college basketball. These players are known for their impressive skill sets, leadership on the court, and ability to change games.

Like Diggins-Smith did during her time, they are carving out their own legacies and are frequently recognized as some of the top talents in women’s college hoops.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Draft Performance

Skylar Diggins-Smith entered the WNBA with high expectations following her collegiate success. She was drafted third overall by the Tulsa Shock in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

Her selection high in the draft reflected her exceptional skills and potential impact in the professional league. Since then, she has continued to build on her impressive college achievements, becoming a key player in the WNBA.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Professional Basketball Career

Skylar Diggins-Smith has crafted a remarkable career in the WNBA, known for her scoring abilities, quick reflexes, and leadership on the court. Her journey through different teams and significant achievements highlight her as one of the sport’s elite guards.

What Team Has Skylar Diggins-Smith Played For In The WNBA?

Diggins-Smith began her WNBA journey with the Tulsa Shock in 2013. She then continued with the Dallas Wings after the team’s relocation in 2016.

By 2020, she joined the Phoenix Mercury, enhancing their roster as a leading point guard.

In 2024, Skylar took her talents to the Seattle Storm, where she made a significant impact in both regular and postseason play. Her moves have consistently bolstered the dynamic backcourt of each team.

What Awards Has Skylar Diggins-Smith Won In The WNBA?

Skylar’s accolades include multiple WNBA All-Star selections, underscoring her consistent excellence.

Notably, she has been named to both the All-WNBA First and Second Teams thanks to her scoring and overall playmaking abilities.

In 2014, she earned the title of Most Improved Player, showcasing her progression and dedication to improving her game. Her performances have earned her numerous Player of the Week and Player of the Month awards, reflecting her value to her teams and impact on the league.

How Has Skylar Diggins-Smith Performed In The Playoffs?

Skylar’s playoff career features crucial moments and key performances. While with the Mercury, she led her team to several deep postseason runs, often making plays that changed game outcomes.

Her ability to perform under pressure was evident in various elimination games.

Her tenure with the Seattle Storm added further playoff experience, where her leadership on the court proved vital. Throughout the years, she has consistently put up strong numbers in both scoring and assists per game during these high-stakes matches.

Has Skylar Diggins-Smith Won The WNBA Championship Finals?

Despite her talent and contribution to team successes, Diggins-Smith has yet to secure a WNBA championship title. Her best chance came during her time with the Phoenix Mercury, where the team advanced deep into the playoffs but ultimately fell short.

Her pursuit of a championship remains a significant motivating factor in her career moves and continued excellence on the court. With each season, she strives to achieve this major milestone, adding motivation and focus to her gameplay.

What Playing Style Is Skylar Diggins-Smith Known For?

Skylar is celebrated for her quick and agile gameplay. As a point guard, she excels in setting up plays, reading defenses, and making crucial passes.

Her scoring abilities, particularly her free throws and three-pointers, mark her as an offensive threat.

Defensively, she is known for her steals and blocks, showcasing adaptability and awareness on the court.

Her dynamic playing style makes her a cornerstone in any team’s backcourt, often creating opportunities both offensively and defensively.

Skylar Diggins-Smith Injury History

Throughout her career, Skylar has faced some injuries, impacting her time on the court. A notable injury occurred in 2019 when her season was curtailed, affecting both her scoring and assists per game.

In 2023, she missed the entire season due to maternity leave, returning strongly in 2024 for the Seattle Storm.

Her resilience and recovery from these setbacks demonstrate her determination and passion for the game.

Similar Pro Athletes To Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar’s athleticism and on-court impact draw parallels to other elite players like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. These players share similar strengths in leadership, scoring, and playmaking skills.

Their dedication and success have set benchmarks for future athletes. Like them, Diggins-Smith combines skill, competitiveness, and a relentless drive to succeed, making her one of women’s basketball’s standout figures.

Will Skylar Diggins-Smith Make The Hall Of Fame?

Given her achievements and impact on the WNBA, Skylar Diggins-Smith has a strong case for future Hall of Fame consideration. Her career stats, awards, and influence on the guard position highlight her as one of the sport’s elite.

While her championship aspirations remain unfulfilled, her skill and contributions to women’s basketball place her among the potential candidates.

Her ongoing career provides further opportunities to cement her legacy and enhance her Hall of Fame prospects.

Future Prospects For Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith is a star both on and off the court. Beyond her basketball career, she has various opportunities ahead that could shape her future. These include potential roles in coaching, broadcasting, public speaking, and even podcasting. Her involvement extends to initiatives that support young athletes and communities in need.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Want To Coach Basketball?

There are rumors about Diggins-Smith’s interest in coaching basketball after her playing days, but she has not publicly confirmed any plans.

Coaching would allow her to share her expertise and insights with younger players, helping to develop the next generation of talent.

Her connection with her teammates and her leadership skills on the court suggest she could be successful in a coaching role.

If she pursues this path, she may start by working as an assistant coach under established leaders to gain experience.

Transitioning to a coaching role may provide her with the opportunity to continue influencing the game she loves. By guiding young athletes, Diggins-Smith can extend her impact within the sport and pass on the knowledge she has gained throughout her career.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Want To Go Into Broadcasting?

Broadcasting is another avenue that many athletes explore after their playing careers. Diggins-Smith, with her strong voice and broad knowledge of basketball, could naturally fit into this role.

Her communication skills would serve her well as she discusses games and analyzes player performances.

Though she hasn’t confirmed any plans to join a network, her insights and charisma could make her a valuable addition to sports broadcasting teams.

This role would allow her to remain close to the sport while sharing her views with a wide audience.

The shift to broadcasting might offer her a chance to explore different sports narratives. Her engaging personality and depth of knowledge would likely resonate with fans and networks alike.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Do Speaking Engagements?

Skylar Diggins-Smith is already known for participating in speaking engagements. She has a powerful voice on issues such as mental health, women’s sports, and empowerment.

Speaking engagements allow her to connect with various audiences beyond the basketball court.

She often discusses her journey and the challenges she has faced, offering inspiration to many.

By sharing her story, Diggins-Smith can motivate young athletes and individuals striving for success in their fields.

Her involvement in such events showcases her dedication to advocacy and her influence as a role model. This commitment to speaking engagements highlights her interest in making a positive impact off the court.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Have A Podcast?

There is no record of Skylar Diggins-Smith hosting her own podcast. However, given her expertise and communication skills, podcasting could be an ideal platform for her.

This medium would allow her to delve deep into topics she is passionate about, engaging with a large audience.

If she decides to host a podcast, it could cover a wide range of subjects including sports, lifestyle, and social issues.

Her personal experiences and guest interviews would add great value, offering listeners different perspectives.

Having a podcast might allow her to establish a closer connection with fans. This platform would provide an opportunity to discuss broader themes and reach audiences that extend beyond traditional sports followers.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Run A Basketball Camp?

Skylar Diggins-Smith runs basketball camps targeting young athletes. These camps are designed to help players develop their skills, with an emphasis on both physical and mental aspects of the game.

Her camps aim to inspire young players while providing them with practical training.

Participants benefit from her vast experience and receive guidance tailored to improve their performance on the court.

Through these camps, she helps cultivate talent and enthusiasm for basketball among young attendees.

Running these camps reflects her commitment to nurturing future stars. By investing in youth development, Diggins-Smith ensures her impact extends beyond her playing career, fostering a legacy of growth and opportunity within the sport.

Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Run A Foundation?

Diggins-Smith is involved in several charitable initiatives, which may include running a foundation.

Her efforts often focus on empowering young women and supporting underserved communities.

Through these activities, she champions both sports and educational opportunities.

She is known for her dedication to social causes and contributes to various nonprofit efforts.

Her involvement shows a commitment to making a difference beyond the basketball court, addressing broader societal issues.

Operating such initiatives allows Diggins-Smith to leverage her platform for positive change. By running or supporting foundations, she expands her influence and provides valuable resources to those in need, driving meaningful impact in different areas.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Contract And Business Venture Information

Skylar Diggins-Smith‘s career in the WNBA is marked by impressive contracts and smart business ventures. Her current contract reflects her status as a top-tier player in the league, and she has secured partnerships with well-known brands. In addition to her contracts and endorsements, she has also pursued various business initiatives.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Current Contract Details

Skylar Diggins-Smith is currently signed to a two-year contract with the Seattle Storm, valued at $422,685. This deal guarantees her an average annual salary of $211,343.

In 2024, her base salary is set at $208,219 with a cap hit reflecting the same amount.

Her move is significant within the WNBA’s free agency dynamics and showcases her value in maintaining competitive cap space within team strategies.

What Are Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Contract Incentives?

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s contract includes several performance-based incentives.

These bonuses often depend on her performance metrics, such as points per game, assists, and defensive contributions.

Additional incentives might be tied to playoff appearances or league honors, which can adjust her earnings.

This contractual structure allows her to maximize earnings based on both individual and team success, aligning her incentives with her on-court performance.

What Endorsements Does Skylar Diggins-Smith Have?

Skylar Diggins-Smith has partnered with multiple well-known brands, enhancing her profile off the court.

Her endorsements include deals with major companies such as Nike, where her influence extends beyond the basketball court to cultural and fashion realms.

These partnerships highlight her marketability and connect her with a wider audience, thereby boosting her income beyond her WNBA salary.

What Are Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Business Ventures?

Outside basketball, Skylar Diggins-Smith has embarked on several business ventures.

She has invested in health and fitness startups, leveraging her athletic prominence.

Through these ventures, she aims to inspire others and expand her influence beyond sports.

By engaging in these diverse businesses, she demonstrates her commitment to building a solid foundation for life after her playing days.

Compare Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Contract Salary To Male NBA Contract Salaries For Same Position

When comparing salaries, Skylar Diggins-Smith’s earnings may seem modest next to male counterparts in the NBA.

For instance, average salaries for point guards in the NBA are significantly higher, often reaching millions per season.

The disparity stems from different revenue streams and league sizes. Her salary, though substantial by WNBA standards, underscores the contrasts in earnings across gender lines in professional basketball.

Why Are Female Basketball Player’s Salaries Less Than Men?

The salary gap between male and female basketball players is influenced by several factors.

These include differences in league revenue, media exposure, and global viewership.

The NBA generates much higher revenues, allowing for more substantial player salaries. Conversely, the WNBA is still growing in its financial capacity and sponsorships, affecting how much athletes like Skylar can earn each season.

Are Female Basketball Players Forming A New League?

There are ongoing discussions about alternative league formations to boost opportunities and pay for female basketball players.

While the WNBA represents the pinnacle for women’s basketball, new leagues might focus on greater player control and compensation.

These efforts reflect a broader push among athletes to secure more equitable conditions and address existing disparities in professional sports.

Skylar Diggins-Smith Net Worth

Skylar Diggins-Smith, a well-known name in the WNBA, has made impressive strides both on and off the court. Her net worth reflects her success and dedication to the sport, as well as her savvy business ventures and endorsements.

As of 2024, she has an estimated net worth of around $400,000. This figure is bolstered by various income streams.

Key Earnings

• WNBA Salary: Skylar is currently signed with the Seattle Storm on a two-year contract worth $422,685.

Her annual salary adds a significant amount to her earnings.

• Endorsements: Along with her salary, she benefits from multiple endorsements.

These deals further increase her financial stability and market presence.

Skylar’s financial success is not just from her playing career. She’s also known for her advocacy for equal pay in sports and using her platform to voice important issues.

This has gained her respect and recognition throughout the industry.