Tag: Diamond DeShields

Chicago Sky trade Kahleah Copper, sign Diamond DeShields

The Sky won a WNBA championship in 2021, but are rebuilding after former head coach, James Wade, left in the middle of last season.

The Chicago Sky won a WNBA championship in 2021, but are currently rebuilding after former head coach, James Wade, left the team in the middle of the 2023 season.

This rebuild entails trades, signings and a splash in free agency.

On Monday, the Sky announced they signed guard Diamond DeShields, who was drafted by the Sky with the third overall selection in the 2018 WNBA draft. DeShields spent four seasons with the Sky and averaged 13.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 113 total games. DeShields played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2022 and sat out last year with the Dallas Wings due to injury.

“We are very excited to bring Diamond back to Chicago and cannot wait to see her on the court again this season,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “She is an all-around dynamic player with incredible athletic abilities and championship experience that can add to our roster in a Sky uniform once again.”

Rebuilding a team often comes with sacrifice, and the Sky announced on Tuesday they were executing trades. The Sky acquired Michaela Onyenwere, Brianna Turner, the third pick this year, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick and the rights to swap 2026 second-round picks from the Mercury. In exchange, the Mercury welcomed Kahleah Copper and Morgan Bertsch to their roster.

The Sky tip off the 2024 regular season on May 15 against the Wings.

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WNBA players invited to Fanatics business immersion program

Fanatics invited a mix of WNBA and MLB players to participate in their week-long business immersion program.

Fanatics invited a mix of WNBA and MLB players to participate in their week-long business immersion program. Six WNBA players were invited including: Marie Ferdinand-Harris (retired), Essence Carson (free agent), Lexi Brown (Los Angeles Sparks), Rebekah Gardner (Chicago Sky), Diamond DeShields (Dallas Wings) and Isabelle Harrison (Sky).

“Athletes are going to be non-athletes way longer than they actually are athletes,” said Orlando Ashford, chief people officer at Fanatics. “What do they do with that second or third chapter of their life? We want to help create that chapter. It’s great for the athlete, but it’s also great for our company. We see some of these people becoming employees, becoming executives or being a part of the sports ecosystem in other roles. As they do those roles and jobs, they’ll also be friends of Fanatics.”

Players who participated also had positive things to say about the experience. “To have this opportunity, especially as a woman and Black athlete, I just feel like it’s going to make the difference for my next step as a professional,” Harrison said.

Brown shared about the experience on social media: “Just had the most amazing week with Fanatics. I was able to learn so much from some of the most impressive and intelligent people I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful for this life!!!!”

The program initially launched six years ago and only included NFL players, but now the company has expanded to include other sports. In the future, Fanatics is looking to expand the program and “include retired players and offer a longer, six-month co-op-like experience.”

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