Sparks add veteran guard Ariel Atkins in trade with Sky

Los Angeles team also has multiple picks in WNBA draft to add young talent to veteran-led roster

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of purple and gold colors representing the Sparks' team colors.The Sparks aim to add young talent through the WNBA Draft to complement their veteran-led roster and return to the playoffs.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired five-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection Ariel Atkins from the Chicago Sky in exchange for forward Rickea Jackson. The Sparks, who do not have a first-round pick in Monday's WNBA draft, will look to add young talent with their second and third-round selections to complement their veteran-led roster.

Why it matters

The Sparks are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and the addition of Atkins, a proven two-way player, bolsters their roster. With multiple draft picks, the Sparks can add depth and potential long-term pieces to build around their veteran core.

The details

The Sparks traded away their 2026 first-round pick in 2024 to move up and select Rickea Jackson with the 4th overall pick. Jackson averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season, but has now been traded to the Sky. In return, the Sparks have acquired Ariel Atkins, a 29-year-old guard who is a five-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection and former Olympian. Atkins averaged 13.1 points per game last season for the Sky.

  • The Sparks announced the trade with the Sky on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Ariel Atkins

A 29-year-old guard who is a five-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection and former Olympian. She averaged 13.1 points per game last season for the Chicago Sky.

Rickea Jackson

A 22-year-old forward who was the 4th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks. She averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season.

Nneka Ogwumike

An All-Star forward for the Sparks who the team has exclusive rights to re-sign in free agency.

Kelsey Plum

An All-Star guard for the Sparks who the team has exclusive rights to re-sign in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Ariel is a proven winner and one of the most respected two-way guards in this league. She's a champion, an elite defender and someone who understands what it takes to win in big moments. Her professionalism, competitiveness and versatility make her a perfect fit for our franchise and a key piece in our pursuit of a championship.”

— Raegan Pebley, Sparks GM

“It's thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson. Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”

— Jeff Pagliocca, Sky GM

What’s next

The Sparks will look to add young talent through the WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13, 2026, where they have two second-round picks and one third-round selection to complement their veteran-led roster.

The takeaway

The Sparks are making moves to build a championship-contending roster, adding the veteran presence of Ariel Atkins while also looking to the future with multiple draft picks to find young talent that can contribute immediately.