Skylar Diggins is a household name in women’s basketball. A seven-time WNBA All-Star and former Notre Dame legend, she has built an impressive career on the court. But off the court, fans have always been curious about the man by her side.
For years, that man was Daniel Smith—her college sweetheart, husband, and father of her two children. However, recent developments have changed the story. From a romantic Notre Dame meeting to an art-filled engagement, and now a quiet separation, the truth about Skylar Diggins husband is more layered than most people realize.
This article reveals everything you need to know: who Daniel Smith is, their relationship timeline, their children, and why she recently dropped his name.
Quick Facts About Daniel Smith
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Smith |
| Born | July 16, 1991 |
| Birthplace | South Bend, Indiana |
| Age | 34 (as of 2026) |
| High School | Clay High School |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| College Sport | Football (wide receiver) |
| Career | Artist, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder of Doperman Studios |
| Spouse | Skylar Diggins (married 2017, separated 2024) |
| Children | Two: son Seven (b. 2019) and a daughter (b. 2023) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $400,000 |
Who Is Daniel Smith? The Man Behind the Name
Daniel Smith is a former collegiate football player turned artist and entrepreneur. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, he grew up just miles from the University of Notre Dame campus—a place that would later shape his life in more ways than one .
His parents, Vicky and Robert Smith, raised him with strong Midwestern values. His father was a businessman, while his mother worked at a broadcasting station . After graduating from Clay High School, Daniel followed a path familiar to many local athletes: he enrolled at Notre Dame.
From Football to Fine Art
At Notre Dame, Daniel played as a wide receiver for the Fighting Irish football team. He was successful on the field, winning games and earning respect from teammates. But sports can be cruel. A fractured ankle ended his football dreams prematurely .
Instead of letting that injury define him, Daniel pivoted. He turned to art—a passion he had always carried but never fully explored.
He started small, selling his artwork online at atsonsoftyce.com. Slowly, he built a reputation. Brands took notice. He began designing logos for clothing companies, blending streetwear aesthetics with fine art .
Today, Daniel owns Doperman Studios, an art gallery and design studio based in Dallas, Texas. His work has even been featured at the Life is Beautiful music and art festival in Las Vegas .
Key takeaway: Daniel Smith isn’t just “Skylar Diggins’ husband.” He’s a self-made creative entrepreneur who rebuilt his career after a devastating injury.
Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith: A Complete Relationship Timeline
How They Met: A Notre Dame Love Story
Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith met the way many great couples do—on college campus. Both were student-athletes at the University of Notre Dame. Skylar was dominating on the basketball court, while Daniel was catching passes on the football field .
They started dating in 2014. Unlike many celebrity couples who rush into the spotlight, they kept things relatively private. Their bond was built on shared values: faith, hard work, and ambition .
The Engagement (June 2016)
In June 2016, Daniel proposed to Skylar during one of his own art exhibits. It was a fitting proposal for a creative soul—romantic, personal, and unique. Skylar said yes, and the couple announced the news on social media .
The Wedding (April 2017)
The couple tied the knot in April 2017 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago . The venue itself spoke to their personalities: elegant, artistic, and modern. Close friends, family, and teammates attended the private ceremony.
After the wedding, Skylar made a symbolic gesture: she changed her jersey name to Diggins-Smith. For years, she played under her married name .
The Separation (November 2024)
After nearly eight years of marriage, the couple separated in November 2024. According to divorce documents filed on March 26, 2025, Skylar cited that the “marriage is irretrievably broken” .
The news didn’t break immediately. Fans first noticed something was off when Skylar changed her social media handles, removing “Smith” from her name. By April 2025, she confirmed the change publicly during the Seattle Storm’s media day.
“Yes, it does say Skylar Diggins, and I would like to be addressed as that moving forward.”
— Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm Media Day (April 2025)
Life After Separation (2025–Present)
By May 2025, Skylar openly referred to herself as a “single mother” during interviews. In a 2026 interview with the Chicago Sky, she reiterated that her children are the “number one factor in everything I do” .
As of 2026, Skylar plays for the Chicago Sky and has launched a podcast called “And Mom” focused on motherhood and ambition . Daniel Smith continues to operate Doperman Studios, though he has remained silent publicly about the split.
How Many Children Do Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith Have?
Skylar and Daniel share two children:
| Child | Born | Name Meaning / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seven (son) | 2019 | Chosen for its biblical significance |
| Daughter | 2023 | Name not publicly disclosed |
Skylar has been remarkably open about the challenges of motherhood as a professional athlete. After her daughter was born in 2023, she experienced postpartum depression and even considered retiring .
She has also been a vocal advocate for better maternity policies in the WNBA. When she had her son in 2019, there was no official family room for pumping breast milk. She famously pumped in the locker room and stored her milk in Gatorade bottles .
“Things have changed a lot. Now we have family rooms. Now players don’t have to hide.”
— Skylar Diggins
In 2026, Skylar shared that her two children, now ages 7 and 3, come to every road trip with her. She calls them her “two broke little best friends” .
What Does Skylar Diggins Husband Do for a Living?
Many people assume Daniel Smith lives off his wife’s WNBA salary. That’s not accurate.
Daniel runs Doperman Studios, a full-service art and design studio in Dallas, Texas. He:
- Creates original paintings and mixed-media artwork
- Designs logos for clothing brands
- Collaborates with streetwear labels
- Exhibits his work at festivals like Life is Beautiful
His estimated net worth is around $400,000, built entirely from his art and design work .
Why Did Skylar Diggins Drop the “Smith” Name?
This is the question on everyone’s mind.
In April 2025, Skylar confirmed she would no longer use Diggins-Smith. During a Seattle Storm media day, she told reporters:
“Yes. Thank you for the question. It does say Skylar Diggins, and I would like to be addressed as that moving forward.”
Fans had already noticed she removed “Smith” from her Instagram handle and deleted many photos with Daniel. Shortly after, TMZ Sports reported that Skylar had filed for divorce on March 26, 2025, citing “irretrievable breakdown” .
The couple had been separated since November 2024.
So, What’s the “Truth”?
The truth is straightforward: Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith are no longer together. The name change wasn’t a branding choice—it was a legal and personal decision following their separation.
Neither party has publicly discussed the reasons for the split, and given their history of privacy, they may never.Skylar Diggins husband
Conclusion: The Truth About Skylar Diggins’ Husband
The truth about Skylar Diggins husband, Daniel Smith, is a story of young love, shared ambition, and an unexpected pivot from football to art. They met at Notre Dame, married in 2017, and welcomed two children together.
But not every love story lasts forever.
By late 2024, the marriage had ended. Skylar quietly dropped the “Smith” from her name, filed for divorce in early 2025, and has since embraced life as a single mother and WNBA star with the Chicago Sky.
Daniel Smith continues to build his art career through Doperman Studios. While their romantic chapter has closed, their shared focus remains on co-parenting their two children.
For fans who’ve followed Skylar’s journey—from Notre Dame to the WNBA to motherhood—the takeaway is simple: she’s moving forward, on her own terms, and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Skylar Diggins husband?
Skylar Diggins’ husband was Daniel Smith, a former Notre Dame football player turned artist. They married in 2017 and separated in November 2024. As of 2025, divorce proceedings are underway.
2. Did Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith divorce?
Skylar filed for divorce on March 26, 2025, citing that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” The couple had been separated since November 2024 .
3. How many children do Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith have?
They have two children: a son named Seven (born 2019) and a daughter (born 2023, name not public) .
4. Why did Skylar Diggins drop “Smith” from her name?
She dropped the name after separating from Daniel Smith in November 2024. She confirmed during a 2025 media day that she would like to be addressed as Skylar Diggins moving forward .
5. What does Daniel Smith do for work?
Daniel Smith is an artist and entrepreneur. He owns Doperman Studios in Dallas, Texas, where he creates artwork and designs logos for clothing brands .
6. Is Skylar Diggins single?
As of 2026, Skylar has referred to herself as a “single mother” in interviews, confirming that she is not currently with Daniel Smith .
7. What team does Skylar Diggins play for now?
As of 2026, Skylar Diggins plays for the Chicago Sky .
