A potential blockbuster trade is brewing in the WNBA. The Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks are discussing a deal centered on Rickea Jackson and Ariel Atkins. The report has already ignited a firestorm of debate among fans online.

Underdog WNBA shared an update on X, saying, "Costabile: Sky, Sparks discussing Ariel Atkins for Rickea Jackson trade. Nothing is finalized, but an announcement is expected on Saturday."

According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, the Chicago Sky are in talks to trade Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks for Rickea Jackson, with an announcement expected on April 13, 2026, in New York when the signing period opens.

Interestingly, the Sky had a chance to draft Jackson, 25, with the No. 3 pick in 2024 but chose 6'7 center Kamilla Cardoso instead, while Jackson went on to average 14.7 points per game for the Sparks last season.

On the other hand, trading Atkins, 29, would be a loss, as she averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 34 starts last season and was Chicago’s best guard and also a stronger defender than Jackson.

However, the 29-year-old struggled to fully adjust as a primary scorer and doesn’t match the long-term timeline of Cardoso, who is currently the team’s key piece.

The rumored trade quickly drew criticism from fans on social media.

WNBA Fans Slam Potential Rickea Jackson Move to Sky

"Terrible trade. Rickea is in a great spot with the Sparks, and Atkins is washed. Hard pass," one user commented.  

Jackson scored an average of 14.7 points per game last season, but Atkins had a hard time adjusting as the main scorer. She was a strong defender.

Fans wrote, "Sky is really robbing the Sparks," pointing out that Chicago had passed on Jackson completely during the 2024 draft and instead picked 6'7" center Kamilla Cardoso with the No. 3 pick.

One fan wrote, "If you do this, I'm not going to a single game @LASparks." They were heartbroken that the team would trade away a 25-year-old who was averaging almost 15 points per game.

"Rickea is fine right where she is," another commenter said, thinking that the young guard had already found the best place for her.

"Oh no, please don't send my girl to this poor franchise," one user joked, referring to the Sky's recent "F" grade from CBS Sports for the Angel Reese trade to the Dream.

So, do you think Rickea Jackson will actually thrive with the Chicago Sky, or is LA the better fit for her career?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Utsav Gupta