"I'VE BEEN SACRIFICING MY BODY. MAYBE IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STEP BACK."

The Chicago Sky benched Skylar Diggins, and now everything is in flux.

On July 6, Skylar Diggins announced on social media that she was being moved to the bench. At media availability later in the day, head coach Tyler Marsh reiterated that it was a “basketball decision” to make the lineup change.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Diggins’ reaction to the news she’d come off the bench, as well as her other problems with the Sky.

“I’ve been elite for decades. And it’s not just from showing up. We fight so hard in our [collective bargaining agreement] to have access to a cold tub, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, a chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapist, IVs and things like that.

I was thinking we were going to be in a practice facility, and other things that were told to me. And that’s not been the case. There’s been things outside of people’s control that I understand, too, a lot of moving parts. Lots of places I’ve been were in that process as well, so I get it. But it’s hard to perform at a certain level without those [resources],” Diggins said.

Chicago’s lack of investment has been an issue for years. The team has been criticized by various stakeholders across the league for the delays in their practice facility, business practices by ownership, and the lack of support they provide players.

Although Diggins was very specific in mentioning that she wasn’t looking for a trade, this stood out:

Diggins missed her first game of the season Tuesday night against the Phoenix Mercury. The Sky defeated Phoenix 77-66, Diggins was a late scratch. She played 34 minutes in her previous appearance on July 3, an overtime loss against the Las Vegas Aces.

The Sky and Skylar Diggins are in a tough spot. The team hasn’t been successful. There is a logjam at the point guard position. And their practice facility is way behind schedule.

The pressure will continue to rise and someone is going to have to figure out a solution to address all of their problems.

Here’s what you need to know today:

🗽 Across the BRM Network.
The Liberty try to figure out the Betnijah Laney-Hamilton situation.

🏛 The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inducts eight new members.
Some of the game’s greats are inducted into the Hall.

Chennedy Carter waived.
The Aces move on.

🏀 Struggles in Atlanta
What’s going on with the Atlanta Dream?

🗓 Upcoming games
What’s on deck to begin the week.

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

BETNIJAH LANEY-HAMILTON'S FIGHT TO GET BACK ON THE FLOOR

The New York Liberty picked up two big wins last week, but fans are feeling frustrated by the absence of a franchise icon.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been working her way back from an injection she received in her knee earlier this season. Before her 14 minutes last night, Laney-Hamilton had not appeared in the Liberty’s past couple of games, and it made fans concerned and upset.

During the Liberty’s win against the Minnesota Lynx on July 3, fans at Barclays Center repeatedly chanted “WE WANT LANEY!” during breaks in the action. After the game, Chris DeMarco spoke about B’s DNP, and reiterated she still is a key part of the team.

At practice on July 2, Laney-Hamilton was asked what message she had for the fans that have continued to support her. In an emotional press availability, she closed by saying, “Just thank you, you know. Thank you for the support, thank you.”

On Monday’s episode of Gotta Get Up, Erica L. Ayala and I broke down the curious case of BLH’s missing minutes.

Hear directly from an emotional Betnijah about her DNP and the love she’s received from the fans.

Before the game against the Dallas Wings on July 7, Laney-Hamilton spoke more about the fan support and what it means for her

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton means so much to the Liberty. She was key to turning the team around and is someone fans and players have a strong connection with.

Hopefully she is able to be at full strength so she can continue her amazing run in seafoam.

CANDACE PARKER. ELENA DELLE DONNE. CHERYL REEVE HEADLINE 2026 CLASS

On June 27, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame welcomed eight new members into its Hall:

Parker and Delle Donne have one more Hall of Fame induction this year as they will enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on August 15.

The Hall of Fame ceremony was filled with great memories, salutes to the people who helped make the inductees the people they are, and thanks to the basketball community for making space for them. It was a night for thankfulness and unity amongst the inductees.

“To the pioneers and legends who paved the way, to my fellow members of the Class of 2026,” Parker said, “what an honor it is to walk in to this room beside you.”

FOUR TEAMS. FOUR FRESH STARTS. NONE OF THEM STUCK.

The Las Vegas Aces have moved on from Chennedy Carter.

On July 7, the team signed Justine Pissott to their roster. To make room for her, the team waived Chennedy Carter one day before her contract was to be fully guaranteed for the rest of the season.

Carter had a strong start to the season for the Aces and was in early discussions for 6th Player of the Year talks. However, some on court issues began to arise as the season progressed.

For Carter, this exit marks another tough moment in her WNBA career. She has played on four teams, but hasn’t been able to stick with one place long term.

At 27 years old, Carter is in the prime of her career. However, can she find a true home in this league? Time might be running out.

FREE THROWS. OFFICIATING. MINUTES. ATLANTA HAS A LOT TO FIGURE OUT.

The Atlanta Dream have hit a rough patch.

On July 4, the Dream took on the Golden State Valkyries at home. The Dream had lost the first two matchups against the Valkyries as Gabby Williams has been a major thorn in their sides. Atlanta was trying to avoid the season sweep, which takes on even more importance considering how close the teams are in the standings.

The Dream held a three point lead in the final minutes, but were unable to make enough plays down the stretch as the Valkyries came away with an 88-83 win. The win completed the season sweep and was Atlanta’s fifth straight loss.

The defeat highlighted some major problems the Dream have been having recently.

Like a lot of teams in the WNBA, the Dream have been frustrated with officiating this season. Following their loss to the Mystics, the Dream called out the referees by name as they discussed the lack of physicality they’re allowed to play with while addressing what they think is a double standard in how teams are allowed to be physical with Angel Reese.

During the game against the Valkyries, Allisha Gray was asked about the officiating and made her annoyance clear

During the game, Gray was called for a technical foul after she was upset that Cecilia Zandalasini committed a flagrant foul against her and walked towards her.

Atlanta took 33 free throws to Golden State’s 17, but the Dream only went 23-33 from the free throw line. It’s a continuation of a concerning trend for Karl Smesko’s team.

Atlanta is third in the WNBA in free throws attempted per game, but only 13th in free throw percentage. The Dream have also emphasized creating good looks from three point range, but are just 11th in three point percentage at 32.1 percent. It’s a major problem, but one they think they can solve.

“We haven't shot great, not just from the free throw line, but for our field goals too,” Angel Reese said. “We just have to get back to the drawing board and figure out what works because we know how good we are when we’re able to make those easy free throws, when we're able to make our easy shots. But we're gonna continue to put our head down and work.”

Something the Dream will also have to figure out is their bench rotation. Here is where their starters rank in minutes per game in the W this season:

The next closest Dream players in minutes are Te-Hina Paopao at 13.2 minutes per game and Isobel Borlase at 12 minutes per game. Atlanta has been without All-Star center Brionna Jones this season, but they hope she can return soon.

Even with the tough losses, the group remains confident that they can get back on the winning track.

“We have five games before the All-Star break, so it’s time for us to really lock in and come out with wins,” Gray said. “But overall, everybody’s spirit and morale is still up.”

The Atlanta Dream have big expectations. They’ve improved the roster and are hoping to make a championship run. This losing streak is a setback, but they have time to turn things around. Anything less than a big postseason run would be a disappointment.

Here’s the schedule for the next few days

At Black Rosie Media, we love to give flowers to other writers and creators in the women’s basketball community.

Here’s what we’re reading:

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