Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson out for the season with torn ACL

Atlanta DreamChicago SkyConnecticut SunDallas WingsGolden State ValkyriesIndiana FeverLas Vegas AcesLos Angeles SparksMinnesota LynxNew York LibertyPhoenix MercuryPortland FireSeattle StormToronto TempoWashington MysticsScores & ScheduleStandingsPodcastsNewsletterNo Offseason NewsletterChicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson out for the season with torn ACLSky forward Rickea Jackson left Sunday's game after injuring her knee. Christian Petersen / Getty Images Share articleChicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after tearing her left knee ACL, the team announced Tuesday. Jackson was injured in the Sky’s victory against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday with 5:24 left to play in the first half. She bumped Lynx forward Nia Coffey on a drive before coming to an abrupt stop and planting her left foot as her knee gave out. She was helped to the locker room by Sky staff and ruled out for the remainder of the game. “We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. The Sky acquired Jackson this offseason in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks for veteran guard Ariel Atkins, adding to Pagliocca’s noteworthy moves in an effort to retool the roster. After he traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two first-round draft picks, Jackson was brought in to be a cornerstone pairing with center Kamilla Cardoso. Through four games, she was the Sky’s leading scorer averaging 18 points per game. “Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season,” Pagliocca’s statement added. “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.” Sky guard Natasha Cloud took issue with the officiating in Sunday’s game. Cloud was given a technical foul in the immediate aftermath of Jackson’s injury for an exchange with the officiating crew during which she expressed frustration with their calls. During her postgame media availability, Cloud told reporters that officials failed to control the game and protect players. Sky coach Tyler Marsh said after the game: “We expect the officials to officiate in a way that protects players.” Jackson was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft — when the Sky selected Cardoso with the No. 3 pick and Reese at No. 7 — and played 78 of the 84 games in her first two seasons. She started all four games when she was available for the Sky this season. Chicago has been hit hard by injuries to start the 2026 campaign. Veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot is still working her way back from an ACL tear she sustained in her right knee seven games into the 2025 season. The Sky have also been without key free agent acquisitions forward Azurá Stevens (knee) and guard DiJonai Carrington (foot). Point guard Skylar Diggins was ruled out against the Lynx after suffering an eye injury in the Sky’s loss to the Mercury last week. The Sky play the Dallas Wings in their home opener on Wednesday, and Marsh expressed confidence that Diggins would be available. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms