7 Shocking Details About Skylar Diggins' Divorce Filing From Daniel Smith: Timeline, Custody, And WNBA Future

The high-profile marriage between WNBA star Skylar Diggins and former Notre Dame football player Daniel Smith has officially come to an end. The basketball icon, now going by Skylar Diggins, filed for a dissolution of marriage in March 2025, confirming months of speculation after she had quietly dropped her husband's last name from her public and professional life. This separation marks a significant personal change for the seven-time All-Star as she navigates a new chapter both on and off the court, particularly as she settles into her new role with the Seattle Storm during the current WNBA season.

The news of the divorce filing, which became public in May 2025, has generated intense interest among fans and the sports community, given the couple's status as a prominent "power couple" from their collegiate days at the University of Notre Dame. The court documents reveal a separation date that predates the official filing, indicating a carefully considered decision after eight years of marriage and two children. This article breaks down the essential facts, the relationship timeline, and the potential impact on her career.

Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith: A Complete Biography and Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith began at one of the nation’s most storied athletic institutions, the University of Notre Dame, and blossomed into a high-profile marriage that lasted for nearly a decade. Their story is a classic collegiate romance turned professional partnership.

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• Skylar Diggins (WNBA Star)
  • Full Name: Skylar Kierra Diggins
  • Born: August 2, 1990 (Age 34 as of late 2024)
  • Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
  • College: University of Notre Dame (2009–2013)
  • College Honors: Two-time Nancy Lieberman Award winner (top point guard), all-time Notre Dame leader in points and steals, two-time NCAA runner-up.
  • WNBA Career: Drafted 3rd overall in 2013 by the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings).
  • WNBA Honors: 7x WNBA All-Star, 6x All-WNBA Team, 2014 WNBA Most Improved Player.
  • Current Team: Seattle Storm (Signed a 2-year contract in 2024).
• Daniel Smith (Former Collegiate Athlete)
  • Full Name: Daniel Smith
  • College: University of Notre Dame
  • Collegiate Sport: Football (Wide Receiver)
  • Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
  • Notre Dame Career: Played Wide Receiver, with career highs including 2 receptions and 14 receiving yards in a single game.
  • Post-Collegiate Career: Has maintained a private life, often supporting his wife's career.
• Key Relationship Milestones
  • Met: Both attended the University of Notre Dame, where their relationship began.
  • Engagement: Daniel proposed to Skylar in June 2016.
  • Marriage: The couple wed in a lavish ceremony in Chicago in May 2017.
  • Children: They share two children, a son born in 2019 and a daughter born in 2022.
  • Separation Date: November 2024 (as cited in court documents).
  • Divorce Filing: March 26, 2025, in King County, Washington.

The Skylar Diggins Divorce: What the Court Documents Reveal

The filing for the dissolution of marriage, submitted to a King County court in Washington state, officially set the process in motion for the end of the couple's eight-year union. The details surrounding the filing provide a clear timeline of the separation and a glimpse into the legal proceedings now underway.

The primary revelation from the court documents is the official date of separation, which is cited as November 2024. This means the couple had been separated for several months before the official divorce filing in March 2025. This timeline aligns with Skylar’s public actions, including her subtle but significant move to drop "Smith" from her professional name, signaling a personal and professional rebranding. She is now consistently referred to as Skylar Diggins in WNBA reports and on the Seattle Storm roster.

The couple shares two young children, a six-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. As with any divorce involving minor children, the proceedings will address critical issues of child custody and financial support. Given the high-profile nature of Skylar's career, including her multi-year contract with the Seattle Storm and numerous global endorsements, the financial aspects, including the division of marital assets and spousal support, will be complex. Her WNBA contract is valued at $422,685 over two years, a significant asset that will be part of the final settlement.

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While the reasons for the separation remain private, the filing itself confirms the end of a long-standing relationship that began during their time as student-athletes at Notre Dame. The shift from "Skylar Diggins-Smith" to "Skylar Diggins" is a clear public marker of her moving forward as a single woman and a professional athlete.

Impact on Skylar Diggins' WNBA Career and Future

The timing of the divorce filing is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with a significant career transition for Diggins. After a successful tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, she signed with the Seattle Storm in 2024, marking a fresh start in a new city and with a new team.

This period has seen Skylar return to elite form. She was named a reserve for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, a testament to her continued dominance and focus despite the personal turmoil. Her play has been instrumental for the Storm, where she has been a top contributor in assists, showcasing her ability to perform at a high level under immense pressure.

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Professional Focus Amidst Personal Change:

The decision to file for divorce in King County, where the Seattle Storm is based, suggests a commitment to her new professional home and a desire to establish stability for herself and her children in the Pacific Northwest. The WNBA season is demanding, requiring extensive travel and intense focus, and the legal proceedings will run concurrently with her commitments. However, her performance metrics—including a career-high in blocks for a guard and leading the Storm franchise in assists—demonstrate a remarkable ability to compartmentalize and excel.

The Name Change: A Symbolic Fresh Start:

The official removal of her married name, "Smith," is more than a formality; it's a powerful statement of independence. In the highly scrutinized world of professional sports, this name change solidifies her individual identity as Skylar Diggins, the legendary point guard. This move is seen by many as a definitive step in embracing her new chapter and focusing solely on her children and her career with the Storm.

The end of this high-profile marriage between two former Notre Dame athletes is undoubtedly a major life event. However, Skylar Diggins' continued success on the court with the Seattle Storm, earning her a spot in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, proves that her focus and dedication remain unwavering. As the legal process unfolds in King County, the world will be watching how this elite athlete navigates the complexities of co-parenting and a new personal life while continuing to cement her legacy in WNBA history.