The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins from the Chicago Sky in exchange for 2024 No. 4 overall pick Rickea Jackson. The move signals the Sparks' aggressive push to contend in 2026 after signing 10-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and re-signing Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby.

Atkins, a five-time all-defense selection, brings championship pedigree after starting for the 2019 Washington Mystics title team. The 5-foot-10 guard averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals last season while shooting 44.4% from the field. Her defensive prowess and three-point shooting (36.2% career) address key needs for the Sparks.

Jackson, still on her rookie contract, joins a remade Sky roster that added Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens in free agency. The 6-2 forward made the All-Rookie team in 2024 and averaged 14.7 points in 2025. The trade represents a significant shift for both franchises as they reshape their rosters ahead of the 2026 season.