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The Chicago Sky have traded two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins to the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson, the teams confirmed on Sunday.
As part of the deal, Atkins will sign a multiyear contract with the Sparks, signaling the franchise’s intent to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Los Angeles has been active in building a competitive lineup, adding experienced and high-profile talent. The team recently signed 10-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and re-signed key players including four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum and three-time All-Star Dearica Hamby. The Sparks also brought in former All-Star Erica Wheeler, who is expected to contribute alongside rising talent such as Cameron Brink.
Atkins joins Los Angeles as one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards. Before the trade, she had been designated as a core player by Chicago. Earlier in her career with the Washington Mystics, she played a starting role on the 2019 championship team. Last season, she averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. Known for her defensive consistency, Atkins has earned multiple All-Defensive team selections and is also a strong perimeter shooter.
Jackson heads to Chicago as part of a broader roster overhaul. The young forward remains on her rookie contract and brings promising upside. She was named to the All-Rookie team in 2024 and followed that up with a solid 2025 campaign, averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while maintaining efficient shooting numbers from both the field and beyond the arc.
The Sky have been active in reshaping their squad. They added veteran stars such as Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens in free agency, while also retaining key contributors like Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham. Additional moves include acquiring Jacy Sheldon in a trade and dealing Angel Reese for future draft picks.
Both teams appear to be taking clear but different approaches, with Los Angeles focusing on experienced talent to compete immediately, while Chicago continues to invest in younger players and long-term flexibility.
As part of the deal, Atkins will sign a multiyear contract with the Sparks, signaling the franchise’s intent to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Los Angeles has been active in building a competitive lineup, adding experienced and high-profile talent. The team recently signed 10-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and re-signed key players including four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum and three-time All-Star Dearica Hamby. The Sparks also brought in former All-Star Erica Wheeler, who is expected to contribute alongside rising talent such as Cameron Brink.
Atkins joins Los Angeles as one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards. Before the trade, she had been designated as a core player by Chicago. Earlier in her career with the Washington Mystics, she played a starting role on the 2019 championship team. Last season, she averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. Known for her defensive consistency, Atkins has earned multiple All-Defensive team selections and is also a strong perimeter shooter.
Jackson heads to Chicago as part of a broader roster overhaul. The young forward remains on her rookie contract and brings promising upside. She was named to the All-Rookie team in 2024 and followed that up with a solid 2025 campaign, averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while maintaining efficient shooting numbers from both the field and beyond the arc.
The Sky have been active in reshaping their squad. They added veteran stars such as Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens in free agency, while also retaining key contributors like Elizabeth Williams and Rachel Banham. Additional moves include acquiring Jacy Sheldon in a trade and dealing Angel Reese for future draft picks.
Both teams appear to be taking clear but different approaches, with Los Angeles focusing on experienced talent to compete immediately, while Chicago continues to invest in younger players and long-term flexibility.