Chicago Sky Acquire Rickea Jackson, Trade Ariel Atkins to Sparks

The Sky make a key frontcourt move in WNBA free agency, adding a promising young forward.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with players' forms broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Chicago Sky's roster overhaul aims to restore the team as a WNBA powerhouse through a blend of young talent and veteran leadership.Chicago Today

The Chicago Sky have acquired 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks, sending veteran guard Ariel Atkins to LA in the trade. The 6-foot-2 Jackson provides the Sky with a versatile scoring threat on the wing, adding to a frontcourt that already includes Azurá Stevens and Kamilla Cardoso. The Sky also re-signed key players like Rachel Banham and Elizabeth Williams, while adding veteran point guard Skylar Diggins to pair with Courtney Vandersloot.

Why it matters

The Sky are retooling their roster after trading away All-Star forward Angel Reese, looking to build a contender around their young core. Jackson's arrival adds scoring punch and 3-point shooting to the frontcourt, while the veteran additions of Diggins and Williams provide leadership and experience. These moves will be crucial as the Sky aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to championship contention.

The details

In the trade, the Sky sent Atkins, a former All-Star, to the Sparks. Atkins struggled with increased playmaking responsibilities last season in Chicago, averaging 13.1 points per game - her lowest output since 2019. The Sky used the core qualifying offer to retain Atkins as a trade asset, avoiding the risk of losing her in free agency after acquiring her from the Washington Mystics. Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2024, averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game for the Sparks last season, showcasing her scoring ability and 3-point shooting (34.8%).

  • The WNBA free agency period opened on April 12, 2026.
  • The Sky completed the trade for Jackson on the first day of free agency, April 15, 2026.

The players

Rickea Jackson

A 6-foot-2 forward who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson has shown promise as a scorer and 3-point shooter in her first two seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Ariel Atkins

A veteran guard who the Sky acquired from the Washington Mystics last year, Atkins struggled with increased playmaking responsibilities in 2025, averaging 13.1 points per game - her lowest output since 2019.

Azurá Stevens

A key member of the Sky's 2021 championship team, Stevens returns to Chicago on a three-year deal after spending the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Skylar Diggins

A seven-time WNBA All-Star, Diggins joins the Sky on a two-year contract and will provide veteran leadership and playmaking to pair with Courtney Vandersloot in the backcourt.

Elizabeth Williams

The veteran center re-signs with the Sky on a two-year deal, providing depth and stability in the frontcourt after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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 General Manager

“I'm truly excited to be coming home to join the Chicago Sky. This city means everything to me. The culture, the people, the passion for the game. To have the opportunity to come back to Chicago is amazing. I'm ready to get to work, embrace the moment, and give everything I have.”

— Azurá Stevens

“Diggins is the kind of player who elevates everyone around her. Skylar is a true veteran leader, and she possesses unmatched speed and shot creation potential. I can't wait to work with her.”

— Tyler Marsh, Sky Head Coach

What’s next

The Sky will hold training camp in downtown Chicago after delays to the completion of their new facility in Bedford Park. The team will look to integrate its new additions, including Rickea Jackson and Skylar Diggins, as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to championship contention.

The takeaway

The Chicago Sky have made a series of key moves in WNBA free agency, acquiring promising young forward Rickea Jackson while retaining veteran contributors like Azurá Stevens and Elizabeth Williams. The addition of seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins also provides the Sky with veteran leadership and playmaking to complement Courtney Vandersloot. These roster changes position the Sky to be a contender in the Eastern Conference once again after a down year in 2025.