Chicago Sky’s Rickea Jackson Out for Season with Torn ACL
The Sky announced Tuesday that forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season after suffering a torn ACL in her left knee.
Injury Details
Jackson was injured with 5:24 remaining in the second quarter of the Sky’s 86-79 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. According to video review, Jackson collided with Lynx forward Nia Coffey while driving to the basket, then came to an abrupt stop. As she planted her left foot, her knee gave out. She was helped off the court by Sky staff and did not return to the game.
Season Performance
Through the first four games of the season, Jackson was averaging career highs in several statistical categories:
- Points per game: 18.0 (led the team)
- Rebounds per game: 4.8
- Assists per game: 2.0
- Blocks per game: 1.8
Jackson was the Sky's leading scorer at the time of the injury.
Team Context
The Sky acquired Jackson in the offseason via a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins. Jackson was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and played in 78 of 84 games during her first two seasons.
The Sky entered the season with a 3-1 record, tied for the best start in the Eastern Conference. The team posted a 10-34 record in 2025.
Team Response
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca issued a statement Tuesday.
"We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery. Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year. Our world-class medical staff will work hard with Rickea, who is one of the toughest players in the league, to get her back on the court."
After Sunday's game, head coach Tyler Marsh commented on the officiating.
"We expect the officials to officiate in a way that protects players."
Guard Natasha Cloud also expressed frustration with the officiating, stating that referees failed to control the game and protect players.
Player Adjustments
With Jackson sidelined, several players are expected to take on expanded roles. Those players include:
- Skylar Diggins: averaging 12.5 points per game (listed as questionable with an eye injury)
- Kamilla Cardoso: averaging 12.0 points per game
- Gabriela Jaquez: averaging 12.0 points per game
Other Injuries
Other Sky players with ongoing or recent injuries include:
- Courtney Vandersloot: recovering from ACL surgery
- Azurá Stevens: knee injury
- DiJonai Carrington: foot injury
- Skylar Diggins: eye injury (status for Wednesday's game uncertain)
Upcoming Game
The Sky are scheduled to host the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night in their home opener. Coach Marsh expressed confidence that Diggins would be available for the game.