Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson ruled out for remainder of 2026 WNBA season
Leading scorer Rickea Jackson undergoes procedure and is expected to make a full recovery, but will miss the rest of the 2026 campaign.
The Chicago Sky confirmed on Tuesday that forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. The injury occurred during the first half of the team's victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, ending what general manager Jeff Pagliocca described as a promising early season for the 25-year-old player.
Jackson, who leads the Sky in scoring with an average of 18 points per game, sustained the injury after planting her left leg following a drive to the basket. She was tended to on the court for several minutes before being taken to the dressing room for further evaluation. An MRI subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of a torn ligament, necessitating surgical intervention.
Pagliocca acknowledged the impact of the loss, stating the organisation is "devastated" by the injury but remains confident in Jackson's ability to make a full recovery. He highlighted her performance early in the season, noting that she was playing at an "All-Star and All-Defensive level" and was "primed for a career year."
The general manager emphasised Jackson's resilience, describing her as "one of the toughest players in the league." He added that the Sky's medical staff would work closely with Jackson to facilitate her rehabilitation and eventual return to the court.
Jackson underwent surgery to repair the ligament immediately following the diagnosis. While the specific timeline for her return is not yet established, the team's statement confirms she will be unavailable for the rest of the 2026 WNBA season.
