The usefulness of transition metal catalytic systems in C–S cross-coupling reactions is significantly reduced by air and moisture sensitivity, as well as harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we report four highly air- and moisture-stable well-defined mononuclear and bridged dinuclear α-diimine Ni(II) and Pd(II) complexes for C–S cross-coupling. Various ligand frameworks, including acenaphthene- and iminopyridine-based ligands, were employed, and the resulting steric properties of the catalysts were evaluated and correlated with reaction outcomes. Under aerobic conditions and low temperatures, both Ni and Pd systems exhibited broader substrate scope and functional group tolerance than previously reported catalysts. Over 40 compounds were synthesized from thiols containing alkyl, benzyl, and heteroaryl groups. Also, pharmaceutically active heteroaryl moieties are incorporated from thiol and halide sources. Notably, the bridged dinuclear five-coordinate Ni complex has outperformed the remaining three mono four- or six-coordinate complexes by giving almost quantitative yields across a broad substrate scope.