PORTLAND — The Chicago Sky defeated the expansion Portland Fire 98–83 on Saturday nite to start the 2026 WNBA season, creating an electrifying excitement at the Moda Center.
In their first regular-season game together, Kamilla Cardoso and Skylar Diggins made history right away. The two became the first teammates in WNBA history to both post a 20-point double-double in a season opener when the Sky defeated the Portland Fire 98-83. With the second-highest scoring total, this historic WNBA season opener also cemented its position in team history.
Diggins and Cardoso Together for 43 PTS
Cardoso and Diggins combined for 43 points in the season-opening game as the Chicago Sky rediscovered their flow. Chicago had a consistent offensive advantage throughout the game because the two set the tone early and kept control on both ends. View the press conference held after the game here.
In the end, the Sky established a distinct early identity based on physicality and execution by relying on their size, discipline, and internal supremacy to set themselves apart. Chicago demonstrated that it can win in a variety of ways, including through scoring surges, defensive stops, and pure rebounding pressure, with Cardoso anchoring the paint and Diggins dictating tempo.
Chicago’s guards and inside presence were lauded by head coach Tyler Marsh for their synergy and decision-making, citing the Sky’s constant ability to adapt to Portland’s defensive threats. Throughout the game, he emphasized how Kamilla Cardoso’s ability to change up her screening angles and timing kept the defense off balance and created clear looks.
The Dynamic Pair
Diggins and Cardoso put on a performance that immediately validated the Chicago Sky’s win-now strategy, just days after the team made news for their dramatic roster makeover that included dismissing Hailey Van Lith and several 2025 draft picks.
Chicago played with energy, synergy, and the kind of confidence that showed a squad completely embracing its new identity from the first tip. It was only the third occasion in Chicago Sky history when more than one player scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a single game, and the feat also cemented the pair’s place in team history. Chicago responded with one of its more comprehensive offensive efforts early in a week full of inquiries about roster choices and the team’s new course.
Strong individual performances and control on the boards helped the Sky start the 2026 season with a victory and go to 1-0 for the first time in three years. Chicago set the tone for what they want this season to look like by playing quickly and confidently. Cardoso anchored the interior with physicality and confidence throughout the evening, while Diggins set the pace with her seasoned presence. Diggins finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Cardoso finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds, giving Chicago one of the best starts in the league right away.
The Redesigned Roster of Inside The Sky
Veteran guard Skylar Diggins led the way for this redesigned Chicago Sky roster, bringing a new level of control and energy to the floor right away. With a final line of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, the seven-time All-Star made an impact in every aspect of the game and simply reaffirmed the organization’s decision to bring her to Chicago.
Diggins set the tone for a club hoping to have a more successful and disciplined identity this season by playing with the edge and competitiveness that have characterized her career. Her command of the offense, defensive prowess, and outspoken leadership were what really stood out throughout the evening, regardless of the numbers. The Sky appeared cohesive, self-assured, and totally enjoying the atmosphere within the arena, as all five starters finished in double figures.
It has been a long and steady journey for Kamilla Cardoso to become the Sky’s anchor. She was born in Montes Claros, Brazil, and immigrated to the US at the age of 15 to play basketball. She eventually advanced through Tennessee’s high school system before competing at the collegiate level. Her journey took her through one of the most legendary women’s basketball teams at South Carolina, where she won two national titles and was named the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player under Dawn Staley. The Chicago Sky then selected her third overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Cardoso dominated the first game of the season, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds, including eight offensive rebounds that helped the Sky gain momentum. Chicago’s dedication to reconstructing its front court around size, dominance, and interior control was reflected in her rim protection, activity on the glass, and ability to run the floor given her stature, which provided the team a distinct interior presence to balance its perimeter scoring.
In Chicago, Rickea Jackson is already becoming noticeable. Jackson, who finished with 19 points and tied a career best with eight hit free throws, brought the same scoring confidence and tenacity to the Sky after emerging as one of the Sparks’ youthful offensive weapons the previous season. In Chicago, Jackson is already becoming noticeable. turning out to be an offensive spark right away.
Natasha Cloud gives the Sky a layer of toughness and urgency as they strive to develop their identity. Chicago’s new core is beginning to take shape around intensity, pace, and physicality thanks to Rickea Jackson’s versatility as a scorer, Skylar Diggins’ command of the offense, and Cloud’s defensive mindset, leadership, and vocal presence, even though he was sidelined for the opener due to illness.
Gabriela Jaquez, a rookie, finished with 10 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes after entering her first professional start with poise. Jacy Sheldon set a new career high with three blocks and contributed 13 points and four assists on the perimeter, setting the tone for a defense that was energetic and disruptive all nite long against Portland.
Gabriela Jaquez, the over-2026 draft pick who is starting to establish herself in the guard rotation, continues to be one of the more fascinating early narratives. Her quickness, vigor, and fearless style of play instantly made her stand out as the kind of player Chicago hopes to develop.
While Traveling
The Sky overcame 11 turnovers because to their +22 rebounding margin. The Fire were unable to establish the rhythm necessary to finish a comeback because Chicago was able to restrict Portland to just three offensive rebounds.
On Wednesday, May 13, the Sky will continue their four-game road journey by visiting San Francisco to play the Golden State Valkyries (1-0). Chicago will take on Golden State, who recently defeated Seattle on opening nite, in an attempt to earn their first-ever franchise triumph.
The U will provide local coverage of the tip-off, which is set for 9:00 p.m. CT at the Chase Center.
