The Chicago Sky introduced a new era with a press conference that felt less like a transaction and more like a declaration of identity. This is a team being built on connection, culture, and a clear vision of competing now. From veterans seeking purpose to young stars embracing opportunity, the message throughout the room was consistent: Chicago is not just a destination, it is the right fit. In Chicago, Rickea Jackson, Skylar Diggins, Jacy Sheldon, Gabriela Jaquez, Jeff Pagliocca, and Tyler Marsh spoke with media, introducing the newest Sky to the city of Chicago.
For Skylar Diggins, that fit started with family. After spending the majority of her decorated career on the West Coast, the decision to come to Chicago was rooted in something deeper than basketball. “I decided it was a change needed for my family and I,” she said. “I’m from South Bend… I’m no stranger to the Midwest. I wanted to be close to home and close to family.” With two young children, ages seven and three, Diggins made it clear this move was about aligning her life and career in what could be the final stretch of her playing days. But make no mistake, this is not a farewell tour. “I still feel like I’m capable of playing basketball at a really high level,” she added, pointing to the opportunity to lead while helping push a talented roster back into playoff contention.
That blend of leadership and youth is exactly what Chicago targeted, and Diggins recognized it early. “Knowing the vision before a lot of people knew it came to fruition… I understood the vision,” she said. It is a vision that includes rising stars, defensive identity, and a roster built on competitiveness and selflessness.
For Rickea Jackson, the journey to Chicago looked different, but the outcome felt just as right. Traded rather than signed, Jackson admitted the process unfolded quickly and with uncertainty. “I just prayed to God… ‘Please give me a sign to where I’m supposed to be to ease my heart,’” she shared. That clarity came almost immediately. “Woke up the next day, got the news, and I was so excited… a fresh start is always good for me.”
That fresh start also comes with something invaluable: familiarity and support. Jackson’s excitement about joining Chicago is tied closely to reuniting with her best friend, Azurá Stevens. “Who wouldn’t want to be somewhere with their best friend?” Jackson said with a smile. “Just being here with her makes me even more confident.” It is that comfort, paired with her elite talent, that could unlock another level in her game after an up-and-down stint in Los Angeles.
The front office’s fingerprints are all over this roster construction. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized that every move was intentional. “We knew that we needed to improve dramatically… we wanted a new identity,” he said. That identity centers on competitiveness, selflessness, athleticism, and two-way impact. “We landed our targets,” Pagliocca added, signaling confidence that the plan is already taking shape.
That plan is also resonating with the younger pieces being introduced. Jacy Sheldon spoke about the competitive environment being built, highlighting the daily battles that will define the team. “Just the group of competitors we have… the battles we’ll have every day, I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “We have a good mix… a lot of young players… just all of us coming together and working toward the same vision.” Her words echoed what many in the room felt: this is a group that expects growth through competition.
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez added another layer to that foundation, emphasizing both personal growth and family support. “It’s fun to get better… to see all the growth that you had,” she said, reflecting on her journey to the league. Her transition to the WNBA has been a family affair, with her support system present every step of the way. “We just love to support each other… I’m excited to start my journey here in Chicago.”
There is something powerful about the way this roster has come together. Some chose Chicago. Some were sent to Chicago. But all of them, in their own words, feel like they are exactly where they are supposed to be. That alignment matters in a league where chemistry, trust, and culture can be the difference between potential and results.
And make no mistake, results are the goal. This is not just about being closer to home or reuniting with friends. It is about winning. It is about building something sustainable. It is about taking a roster filled with talent, purpose, and belief, and turning it into a legitimate contender.
Family brought them here. Friendship keeps them grounded. Now the focus shifts to the ultimate goal: a shot at a ring in Chicago.
