Brittney Sykes Bio
Brittney Sykes is an American professional basketball player with the Seattle Storm of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Laces of Unrivaled. She was drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Her nickname is “Slim”. Sykes became the highest drafted Syracuse University women’s basketball player in school history.
Early Life and Background
Brittney Sykes was born on February 7, 1994, in Newark, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Michael and Regina Sykes and has two older brothers. Sykes attended University High School in Newark, where she played guard and was a 4-star recruit. During her high school career, she earned numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2012 and achieving a 95 overall scouting grade. Sykes averaged 18.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game as a senior, leading her team to the Essex County Championship in 2011-12. After graduating in 2012, she accepted a scholarship to play for the Syracuse Orange at Syracuse University. At Syracuse University, Sykes pursued a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies, graduating with honors. She also earned a Master’s in instructional design, development, and evaluation in the School of Education. Her college career was marked by significant achievements, including being named to the All-ACC First Team and the ACC All-Defensive Team in 2017.
Path to Basketball
Sykes began her collegiate basketball career at Syracuse University, where she played for four seasons after redshirting one year due to a knee injury. She played both shooting guard and small forward positions, participating in a total of 138 games and starting 137 of them. Sykes averaged 13.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, finishing her college career ranked third in career points scored for Syracuse women’s basketball. Her performance earned her All-American honors and the title of the winningest player in Syracuse women’s basketball history. Sykes faced significant challenges during her college career, suffering two ACL injuries that sidelined her for extended periods. Despite these setbacks, she demonstrated resilience and determination, viewing her injuries as opportunities for personal growth.
Brittney Sykes Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Brittney Sykes was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team and being named Rookie of the Month for both July and August. Sykes averaged 13.9 points per game, setting a new single-season rookie record for the Atlanta Dream with 471 points. She was also a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award. After two seasons with the Atlanta Dream, Sykes was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in February 2020. During her time with the Sparks, she continued to develop her skills and earned WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2021, showcasing her defensive prowess on the court.
Breakthrough (2020-2023)
Sykes’s breakthrough came during her tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she established herself as one of the top defensive players in the league. In 2021, she was named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team and finished second in voting for the Defensive Player of the Year. Her performance solidified her reputation as a key player in the league. In February 2023, Sykes was traded to the Washington Mystics, where she continued to excel. During her time with the Mystics, she earned her first All-Star selection and averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Her contributions helped the team compete at a high level in the league. On August 5, 2025, Sykes was traded to the Seattle Storm, marking a new chapter in her career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Brittney Sykes has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named a WNBA All-Star in 2025 and earning the WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2021 and 2023. She was also recognized as the WNBA steals leader in 2021 and 2022, showcasing her defensive skills.
Brittney Sykes Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Brittney Sykes has received several nominations for her outstanding performance on the court, including her recognition as a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and her multiple All-Defensive Team selections.
Brittney Sykes Awards Won
Brittney Sykes has won several prestigious awards, including being named a WNBA All-Star in 2025, WNBL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, and earning spots on the All-WNBL First Team in 2022. She has also been recognized as a two-time WNBA All-Defensive First Team member and a two-time WNBA steals leader.
Brittney Sykes Family
Brittney Sykes is the daughter of Michael and Regina Sykes. She has two older brothers, who have supported her throughout her basketball journey.
Personal Life
Details about Brittney Sykes’s personal life remain private, with no public information available regarding her marital status or relationships. However, she is known for her dedication to the sport and her commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
