Just four games into her first season with the Chicago Sky, star forward Rickea Jackson is done for the year after suffering a knee injury.
The Sky disclosed on Tuesday that Jackson had suffered a torn ACL in her left knee during a Sunday game against the Minnesota Lynx, and she will miss the rest of the 2026 season because of the injury.
“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “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.”
The Sky acquired Jackson in a trade with the Los Angeles Sparks before the 2026 season, and she had been flying out of the gate, averaging 18 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, along with two assists and 1.8 blocks per contest.
Meanwhile the Sky have been off to a solid start, going 3-1 in their first four games as they embarked on a lengthy road trip to begin the year.
Now, they’ll have to rely even more heavily on other stars like Skylar Diggins, who is averaging 12 points, six rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, and Kamilla Cardoso, who is off to a strong start averaging 12 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest.
The Sky will play their 2026 home opener at Wintrust Arena on Wednesday night when they welcome the Dallas Wings to Chicago. Their four-game home stand will also include two games against Minnesota and a game against Toronto. Wednesday’s game will air on USA Network.
