The Seattle Storm Signs Coveted Free Agents Skylar Diggins-Smith And Nneka Ogwumike

Skylar Diggins-Smith has reportedly signed a two-year contract for $422K, while Nneka Ogwumike signed a contract for one year for $208K

The Seattle Storm recently announced that six-time WNBA All-Star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith signed with the team.

Laser-focused 🗣️#TakeCover x @SkyDigg4 pic.twitter.com/5NLCo62iWV

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) February 1, 2024

“Joining the Seattle Storm is the ideal next step in my basketball journey. The organization’s dedication to its players and the progression of the league is commendable,” said Diggins-Smith. “I’m laser-focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell, benefiting from the leadership of Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.”

Diggins-Smith makes clear that being “around winners” was a determining factor in her decision, citing a desire to play alongside Jewell and Nneka Ogwumike, who left the Los Angeles Sparks to play in Seattle.

Skylar Diggins-Smith on why she chose Seattle:

“I wanna play with Jewell.”

Says that she only wanted to play with Jewell Loyd and Nneka. Seattle was also the only visit she took and she later says she wants to be around winners.

— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) February 19, 2024

The two newly acquired Storm players credited ownership as a reason for them deciding to land in Seattle. Well, that, and the franchise has already won four championships.

Welcome to Seattle, @nnekaogwumike and @SkyDigg4! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/2mCUnnjamG

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) February 19, 2024

The Seattle Times reported that Ogwumike spoke highly about the female majority-owned basketball team.

“If your ownership is investing that’s one thing, but if they are engaging that’s where you really see stuff happening,” Ogwumike said. “That’s when you really feel like the players are being taken care of. We can talk about all of these other resources, but the teams that have investment and engagement from ownership is the difference maker, and I really feel like Seattle is at the top of that.”

Diggins-Smith is joining her third team after playing for the Tulsa Shock/Dallas Wings in 2013, and previously suiting up for the Phoenix Mercury. She has reportedly signed a two-year contract for $422,685. Ogwumike, who left the Los Angeles Sparks after playing with the team for 12 years, signed a one-year contract for $208,209.