Basketball fans always have questions. How’s her shot looking? Is she still with Seattle? And, most commonly, how old is Skylar Diggins anyway? It feels like she’s been around forever because, honestly, she has. She was a phenom at Notre Dame when some current WNBA rookies were still in elementary school.
As of January 2026, Skylar Diggins-Smith is 35 years old.
She hits that next milestone, the big 36, on August 2, 2026. For a point guard who relies on a lightning-fast first step and relentless defensive pressure, 35 is usually the "danger zone" where critics start looking for signs of a slowing pace. But if you watched her late last season with the Seattle Storm, you know she isn’t exactly slowing down to a crawl.
Why her age is the biggest story in the WNBA right now
Age in professional sports isn't just a number; it’s a talking point for every contract negotiation. Diggins-Smith is currently entering a fascinating phase of her career. After a strong 2025 campaign where she averaged 15.5 points and 6.0 assists, she’s officially an unrestricted free agent.
Teams aren't just looking at her birth certificate. They’re looking at the fact that she played 43 regular-season games last year. That’s a lot of mileage for a "veteran."
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The "Ageless" Point Guard
Most guards lose their lateral quickness first. Skylar? She’s still out here picking up full-court and chirping at players ten years younger than her. It’s kinda wild. She’s managed to bridge the gap between the "old guard" of the league and the new, hyper-athletic era.
- Born: August 2, 1990
- Current Age: 35
- Draft Year: 2013 (3rd overall pick)
- Experience: 11+ Seasons
People often forget she sat out the 2023 season on maternity leave before joining the Storm. That year off might actually have been a blessing in disguise for her longevity. While other players were grinding through the condensed summer schedule, she was letting her body recover. When she returned in 2024, she looked remarkably fresh. Honestly, she looked like she hadn't aged a day since her Phoenix Mercury stint.
Breaking down the timeline: From South Bend to Seattle
To understand why people are so obsessed with how old is Skylar Diggins, you have to look at the sheer length of her dominance. She didn't just show up a few years ago. She was the "Skylar Diggins" before she even stepped foot on a WNBA court.
In South Bend, Indiana, she was a legend at Washington High School, finishing with nearly 2,800 points. Then came the Notre Dame years. She led the Irish to three Final Fours. Think about that. That was over a decade ago.
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She’s played through several "eras" of the WNBA:
- The Tulsa Shock years (where it all started)
- The transition to the Dallas Wings
- The high-intensity (and sometimes dramatic) Phoenix Mercury era
- The current "Big Three" era in Seattle
Is 35 too old for a max contract?
This is the $200,000 question. Or more, depending on where the salary cap lands this year. General Managers are terrified of paying for past performance rather than future production.
But look at the stats from the 2025 playoffs. In a win-or-go-home Game 2 against the Las Vegas Aces, Skylar dropped 26 points. She led the team in assists. She was the heartbeat of that roster. You don't just find that kind of leadership on the waiver wire.
Critics will point to her shooting percentages, which dipped into the low 40s at times last season. Is that age? Is it just a slump? Or is it the burden of being a primary playmaker at 35? Most experts agree that her value as a "floor general" outweighs a few missed jumpers. She knows where everyone needs to be on the court before they even know it themselves.
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Fashion, Motherhood, and the "Unrivaled" Factor
Skylar isn't just a basketball player anymore. She’s a brand. Just a few days ago, she showed up at the 2026 Golden Globes looking like a total icon in a sequined black gown. It’s a reminder that her career has multiple tracks.
She’s also part of the "Unrivaled" league, playing for the Lunar Owls alongside Napheesa Collier. This new 3v3 format is perfect for a veteran of her age. It’s less taxing on the joints than a full 40-minute 5v5 game, but it allows her to showcase that elite handles-and-passing combo that made her famous.
What to expect in 2026
If you're following her career, expect the rumors to fly this offseason. Will she stay in Seattle to finish what she started with Jewell Loyd? Or will a contender looking for one last piece of the championship puzzle come knocking with a massive one-year "all-in" offer?
Basically, Skylar is at a crossroads where she gets to choose her legacy. She’s already a 7-time All-Star. She’s got the Olympic gold from Tokyo. The only thing missing is that elusive WNBA Championship ring.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Free Agency Tracker: The WNBA offseason is moving fast. Keep an eye on where Skylar lands by February.
- Check the "Unrivaled" Schedule: If you want to see her play in a high-octane, short-form setting, the Lunar Owls games are the place to be this winter.
- Follow her on socials: She's one of the few players who actually gives a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a veteran athlete and mom.