In a shocking move within the WNBA, the Chicago Sky have finalized a trade that sends two-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks. In return, the Sky receive Rickea Jackson, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Atkins, who arrives at the Sparks with a multi-year contract, was a key player on the Sky team before the transfer. Her arrival in Los Angeles reinforces the Californian team’s aspirations for the 2026 season.
Strategic Moves by the Sparks
The Sparks have demonstrated their ambition by securing Nneka Ogwumike, a player with ten All-Star appearances, and re-signing figures like Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby, both with multiple All-Star selections and WNBA titles. Added to this is the incorporation of Erica Wheeler and the presence of Cameron Brink, selected in the second position of the 2024 draft.
Ariel Atkins, known for her versatility, was a starter on the 2019 championship team with the Washington Mystics. The 1.78-meter guard averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game last season, with 44.4% field goal efficiency. In addition, she is an elite defender and has a 36.2% success rate on three-point shots throughout her career.
On the other hand, Rickea Jackson joins a renewed Sky roster, which has incorporated Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens in free agency, in addition to ensuring the continuity of Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham. The team also acquired Jacy Sheldon and made a trade involving Angel Reese.
Jackson, a 1.88-meter guard, was included in the All-Rookie team in 2024, averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 2025, with a 42.4% field goal percentage and a 34.8% from the three-point line.
