Press Release

CHICAGO (May 19, 2026) — Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson underwent an MRI that revealed a left torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury she sustained in the May 17 game against Minnesota. Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season and undergo surgery to repair 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. “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.”

rickea-jackson-injury-update

Rickea Jackson Injury Update

Power Rankings

In the first two editions of the 2026 Power Rankings, from the offseason and preseason, much of the analysis could only be done on paper.
Now that we’re 10 days into the season, we finally have a handful of games to help shape our understanding of how this campaign may unfold.
While the sample size remains extremely small, it’s enough to offer a first impression of each of the league’s 15 teams.
Note: All stats and records are through games played on Sunday, May 17.
<hr />
<h2>1. Las Vegas Aces (4-1) ↔️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 1</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Sat. vs. LAS</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_260922" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-260922" class="wp-image-260922" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276216597-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />Chennedy Carter #23 of the Las Vegas Aces</div>
The Aces’ title defense didn’t get off to an ideal start, as they suffered a blowout loss to Phoenix on ring night. However, they bounced back with four straight wins, capped by Chelsea Gray’s game-winner against the Dream on Sunday. After playing five games in the season’s first 10 days, the Aces are off until Saturday, when they host the Sparks and raise their third championship banner.
<hr />
<h2>2. New York Liberty (3-1) ↔️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 2</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Thur. vs. GSV, Sun. vs. DAL</li>
</ul>
A last-second loss to the expansion Fire is the lone blemish on the Liberty’s record to open the 2026 season. They quickly avenged that loss to Portland with an 18-point win two days later. Led by Breanna Stewart (23.0 ppg) and the deepest roster of <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/global-game-international-players-rise">global talent</a> in the league, the Liberty are averaging a league-best 100 points per game.
<hr />
<h2>3. Atlanta Dream (2-1) ⬆️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 4</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Fri. vs DAL, Sun. vs. PHX</li>
</ul>
Just three games into the season, the Dream have already been involved in a pair of thrilling one-point contests. In their season opener, the Dream erased an 18-point deficit to defeat the Lynx, with Angel Reese sealing the win with a last-second block in her Atlanta debut. Eight days later, the Dream found themselves on the other end of a last-second loss, courtesy of Chelsea Gray.
<hr />
<h2>4. Chicago Sky (3-1) ⬆️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 10</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Wed. vs. DAL, Sat. vs. MIN</li>
</ul>
The new-look Sky opened the season with four straight road games, including a win in Portland to spoil the Fire’s return to the WNBA. Chicago has been the league’s top defensive team out of the gates, posting league-best marks in defensive rating (97.2) and opponent field goal percentage (38.1%). However, the Sky lost leading scorer Rickea Jackson to a knee injury on Sunday, which could be costly if she misses extended time. 
<hr />
<h2>5. Golden State Valkyries (2-1) ⬆️</h2>
<div id="attachment_260921" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-260921" class="wp-image-260921" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276124448-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA &#8211; MAY 13: Kayla Thornton #5 and Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries</div>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 9</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Thur. at NYL, Fri. at IND</li>
</ul>
After opening the season with double-digit wins over the Storm and Mercury, the Valkyries suffered their first setback against the Sky on Sunday. Golden State owns the league’s second-best net rating through the opening week (+8.3), but will be tested this week with a road back-to-back against New York and Indiana on Thursday and Friday.
<hr />
<h2>6. Phoenix Mercury (2-2) ↔️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 6</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Tue. vs. TOR, Thur. vs. LAS, Sun. at ATL</li>
</ul>
After watching the Aces receive their championship rings before tipping off their Finals rematch, the Mercury responded with a 33-point win in the season opener. However, Phoenix followed that with consecutive losses to Golden State and Minnesota, then bounced back with a win over then-unbeaten Chicago. Rookie Jovana Nogić has been a revelation for Phoenix; she’s averaging 16 points and 3.3 three-pointers on 65% shooting from deep, helping the Mercury shoot a league-best 38.5% from beyond the arc.
<hr />
<h2>7. Washington Mystics (2-1) ⬆️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 12</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Mon. at DAL, Sun. at SEA</li>
</ul>
There have only been two overtime games in the WNBA so far this season, and both have featured the Mystics, who fell to the Liberty 98-93 last Sunday and defeated the Fever 104-102 on Friday. In their only non-OT game, Washington held off Toronto to spoil the Tempo’s franchise opener. After their first three games were all decided by five points or fewer, can the Mystics get a decisive win this week when they visit Dallas and Seattle?
<hr />
<h2>8. Indiana Fever (2-2) ⬇️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 3</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Wed. vs. POR, Fri. vs. GSV</li>
</ul>
So far this season, teams are 7-2 when scoring 100 or more points. The only two losses belong to the Fever, who put up triple-digit scores but still fell short, surrendering 104 and a season-high 107 points to the Mystics and Wings, respectively. There’s no questioning Indiana’s firepower, with Caitlin Clark breaking the WNBA record for most career games with 20+ points and 10+ assists just three games into her third season, but the Fever will need to improve their defense, which ranks 12th in opponent points allowed (91.8). 
<hr />
<h2>9. Minnesota Lynx (2-2) ⬇️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 8</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Thur. vs. TOR, Sat. at CHI</li>
</ul>
Already without perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who is still recovering from offseason ankle surgeries, the Lynx have been dealt another blow as rookie center Emma Čechová has been lost for the season with a torn ACL. After opening the season 2-2 in four games decided by seven points or fewer, the Lynx are off until Thursday when they host Toronto before closing the week in Chicago.
<hr />
<h2>10. Dallas Wings (1-2) ⬇️</h2>
<div id="attachment_260920" style="width: 910px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-260920" class="wp-image-260920" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/GettyImages-2276059686-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" />Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings</div>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 5</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Mon vs. WAS, Wed. at CHI, Fri. at ATL, Sun. at NYL</li>
</ul>
Last season, the Wings finished a league-worst 3-15 (.167) in clutch games — defined as games within five points during the final five minutes. All three of their games have come down to the wire this season; after defeating the Fever, the Wings fell to both the Dream and Lynx down the stretch. With four games on the schedule this week, how many will come down to clutch time? And how will Dallas respond?
<hr />
<h2>11. Toronto Tempo (2-2) ⬆️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 14</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Tue. at PHX, Thur. at MIN, Sat. vs. POR</li>
</ul>
After coming up just short in their franchise opener against Washington, the Tempo earned their first-ever win against Seattle on Wednesday behind a combined 44 points from Marina Mabrey (26) and Brittney Sykes (18). Sykes ranks fifth in the WNBA in scoring, averaging 24.3 points over her first four games, thanks in part to her ability to draw fouls, get to the free-throw line (league-high 11 per game) and knock them down at a 90.9% clip. Can she keep it going when the Tempo visit Phoenix and Minnesota before hosting Portland in a clash of expansion squads?
<hr />
<h2>12. Portland Fire (1-2) ⬆️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 15</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Mon vs. CON, Wed. at IND, Sat. at TOR</li>
</ul>
After 24 years, WNBA basketball has returned to the Rose City. In their opening week, the Fire hosted the Sky and the Liberty twice. The Fire earned their first win in thrilling fashion, thanks to a buzzer-beating putback by Sarah Ashlee Barker. However, that remains the Fire’s lone win as the Liberty won a rematch two days later. Portland will host Connecticut on Monday before embarking on its inaugural road trip with stops in Indiana and Toronto to close the week.
<hr />
<h2>13. Los Angeles Sparks (1-3) ⬇️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 7</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Thur. at PHX, Sat. at LVA</li>
</ul>
While the Sparks rank in the middle of the pack on offense (their 107.7 offensive rating ranks eighth), they are dead last on the other end (121.3 defensive rating) through their first four games. L.A.’s lone win came against the expansion Tempo on Friday behind 25 points from Kelsey Plum, who leads the WNBA in scoring at 26.8 points per game. However, if the Sparks want to climb the standings (and these rankings), they’ll need to see major strides defensively.
<hr />
14. Seattle Storm (1-3) ⬇️
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 11</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Wed. vs. CON, Fri. vs. CON, Sun. vs. WAS</li>
</ul>
Already shorthanded in the frontcourt after All-Star Ezi Magbegor sustained a foot injury while competing for Australia in the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, the Storm were without second-year center Dominique Malonga during Sunday’s loss to Indiana due to a concussion. Malonga is having a breakthrough season in Seattle, averaging 16 points, 7.3 rebounds, two steals and a block through three games. However, Seattle’s lone win so far has come against winless Connecticut.
<hr />
<h2>15. Connecticut Sun (0-4) ⬇️</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Last Week: 13</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">This Week: Mon. at POR, Wed. at SEA, Fri. at SEA</li>
</ul>
On Wednesday, it became official: the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston. The final season in Connecticut has gotten off to a slow start, with the Sun still searching for their first win after falling to New York, Seattle, and Las Vegas twice. This week, the team from the Northeast will be in the Pacific Northwest, visiting Portland on Monday before a two-game set in Seattle on Wednesday and Friday.

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2026 WNBA Power Rankings: Week One

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Final 03:30 WILD ENDING Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky 05/15/2026

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Rickea Jackson Points Leader in Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky - Top Points

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Final 03:30 WILD ENDING Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky 05/13/2026

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Rickea Jackson Points Leader in Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky - Top Points

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Rickea Jackson First Sky Bucket

GM Survey

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-259920 size-full alignnone" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/05/UPDATED_V3_2026_WNBA_GM-Survey_16X9-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
The WNBA is stepping into a defining new era. From A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart to a wave of generational talent across every draft class, the league’s depth continues to grow entering its 30th year. With expansion underway and <a href="http://wnba.com/news/wnba-wnbpa-tentative-cba-deal-2026">a new Collective Bargaining Agreement</a> set to take effect, the annual General Manager Survey offers a snapshot of a league already in motion.
The rise of second-year guard Paige Bueckers has the Dallas Wings selected as the most fun team to watch and most improved entering 2026, with Bueckers also the top choice among general managers as the player to sign when building a franchise.
<a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wilson-2025-mvp">Reigning MVP Wilson</a> is predicted to dominate once again and is the top choice to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award. The <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/las-vegas-aces-finals-accolades-2025">defending champion</a> Las Vegas Aces are also favored to repeat as Finals winners.
Following a whirlwind offseason marked by significant player movement, Gabby Williams (Golden State) and Angel Reese (Atlanta) are named the two most impactful offseason acquisitions, while the Valkyries and the Dream were voted the top defensive teams, respectively.
Elsewhere on the survey, the effects of the new CBA are already shaping roster construction, and GMs identify the addition of two developmental roster spots as the biggest adjustment heading into this season.
WNBA GMs responded to 42 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 15 GMs.
&gt;&gt;The results of last year’s GM Survey are available <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-wnba-gm-survey">here</a>.
<hr />
<h3>PREDICTIONS</h3>
Which team will win the 2026 WNBA Finals? 
1. Las Vegas – 40% 
2. New York – 33% 
3. Atlanta – 27% 
**Last year: Minnesota – 60%
<hr />
<h3>PLAYERS</h3>
Who will win 2026 Kia WNBA MVP? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60% 
2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 27% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving: Caitlin Clark (IND); Allisha Gray (ATL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier – 67%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be? 
1. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 33% 
T-2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20% 
T-2. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 20% 
3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Breanna Stewart (NYL); Napheesa Collier (MIN) 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark – 50%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 60% 
2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Caitlin Clark (IND); Napheesa Collier (MIN); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); 
Breanna Stewart (NYL) 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson – 33%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season? 
T-1. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15% 
T-1. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Julie Allemand (TOR); Cameron Brink (LAS); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Kennedy Burke (CON); Veronica Burton (GSV); Rhyne Howard (ATL); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Leila Lacan (CON); Jackie Young (LVA) 
**Last year: Satou Sabally – 20%
Who is the best point guard in the WNBA? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 73% 
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 20% 
3. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 7% 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark and Chelsea Gray &#8212; 50%
Who is the best shooting guard in the WNBA? 
1. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 27% 
2. Paige Bueckers, Dallas – 20% 
T-3. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana – 13% 
T-3. Sabrina Ionescu, New York – 13% 
T-3. Allisha Gray, Atlanta – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Kelsey Plum (LVA); Kayla McBride (MIN) 
**Last year: Caitlin Clark &#8211; 33%
Who is the best forward in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 47% 
T-2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 27% 
T-2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 27% 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier and A’ja Wilson – 33%
Who is the best center in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 57% 
2. Jonquel Jones, New York – 21% 
3. Aliyah Boston, Indiana – 14% 
4. Brionna Jones, Atlanta – 7% 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson – 50%
<hr />
<h3>OFFSEASON</h3>
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason? 
1. Dallas – 47% 
2. Atlanta – 33% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Chicago; Las Vegas; New York 
**Last year: Indiana – 64%
Which player acquisition will make the biggest impact? 
T-1. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 27% 
T-1. Gabby Williams, Golden State 27% 
3. Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles – 20% 
4. Satou Sabally, New York – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Marina Mabrey (TOR); Skylar Diggins (CHI) 
**Last year: Alyssa Thomas – 50%
What was the most underrated player acquisition? 
T-1. Ariel Atkins, Los Angeles – 21% 
T-1. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 21% 
3. Rickea Jackson, Chicago – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Pauline Astier (NYL); Monique Billings (IND); Kennedy Burke (CON); Nneka Ogwumike (LAS); Nyara Sabally (TOR); Erica Wheeler (LAS) 
**Last year: Sophie Cunningham, Ariel Atkins and DiJonai Carrington – 17%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason? 
1. Satou Sabally, New York &#8211; 23% 
T-2. Angel Reese, Atlanta – 15% 
T-2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Bridget Carleton (POR); Skylar Diggins (CHI); Rickea Jackson (CHI); Marina Mabrey (TOR); Jacy Sheldon (CHI); Brittney Sykes (TOR) 
**Last year: DeWanna Bonner – 33%
Which team will be most improved in 2026? 
1. Dallas – 67% 
2. Chicago – 20% 
3. Los Angeles – 13% 
**Last year: Indiana – 42%
<hr />
<h3>ROOKIES + INTERNATIONAL</h3>
Who will win 2026 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year? 
1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 73% 
2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas – 20% 
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 7% 
**Last year: Paige Bueckers – 73%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years? 
1. Awa Fam, Seattle – 67% 
2. Olivia Miles, Minnesota – 33% 
**Last year: Dominique Malonga – 60%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where she was selected in the Draft? 
T-1. Nell Angloma, Connecticut – 21% 
T-1. Ta&#8217;Niya Latson, Los Angeles – 21% 
3. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Gianna Kneepkens (CON); Gabriela Jaquez (CHI); Cotie McMahon (WAS); Olivia Miles (MIN); Justine Pissott (IND); Awa Fam (SEA) 
**Last year: Dominique Malonga, Aaliyah Nye and Makayla Timpson &#8211; 20%
Who is the best international player in the WNBA? 
1. Jonquel Jones, New York – 33% 
2. Janelle Salaun, Golden State – 20% 
T-3. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13% 
T-3. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Leonie Fiebich (NYL); Leïla Lacan (CON); Awa Fam (SEA) 
**Last year: Jonquel Jones – 50%
Which country (outside of the U.S.) is producing the best WNBA talent right now? 
1. France – 100% 
**Last year: France – 80%
<hr />
<h3>DEFENSE</h3>
Who is the best defensive player in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 53% 
2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 20% 
3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 13% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: DiJonai Carrington (CHI); Alanna Smith (DAL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota – 33%
Who is the best interior defender in the WNBA? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 73% 
2. Alanna Smith, Dallas – 13% 
T-3. Ezi Magbegor, Seattle – 7% 
T-3. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 7% 
**Last year: A’ja Wilson– 67%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the WNBA? 
1. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 60% 
2. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 20% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: DiJonai Carrington (CHI); Jordin Canada (ATL); Kahleah Copper (PHX) 
**Last year: DiJonai Carrington – 27%
Which team will be the best defensive team in the WNBA? 
1. Golden State – 50% 
2. Atlanta – 36% 
T-3. Indiana – 7% 
T-3. Minnesota – 7% 
**Last year: Minnesota – 73%
<hr />
<h3>COACHES</h3>
Who is the best head coach in the WNBA? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 53% 
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 40% 
3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 7% 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 83%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people? 
1. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 43% 
T-2. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 14% 
T-2. Stephanie White, Indiana – 14% 
T-2. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Cheryl Reeve (MIN); Karl Smesko (ATL) 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 36%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 50% 
2. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 33% 
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State &#8211; 7% 
T-3. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 7% 
**Last year: Cheryl Reeve – 50%
Which head coach runs the best offense? 
1. Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota – 33% 
2. Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix – 20% 
T-3. Becky Hammon, Las Vegas – 13% 
T-3. Natalie Nakase, Golden State – 13% 
T-3. Karl Smesko, Atlanta – 13% 
6. Stephanie White, Indiana – 7% 
**Last year: Becky Hammon and Cheryl Reeve – 45%
Which new or relocated head coach will make the biggest impact on his/her new team? 
1. Sandy Brondello, Toronto – 71% 
2. Jose Fernandez, Dallas – 14% 
T-3. Sonia Raman, Seattle – 7% 
T-3. Chris DeMarco, New York – 7% 
**Last year: Stephanie White – 50%
Who is the best assistant coach in the WNBA? 
1. Eric Thibault, Minnesota – 36% 
T-2. Kristi Toliver, Phoenix – 18% 
T-2. Briann January, Indiana – 18% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Olaf Lange (TOR); Brandi Poole (ATL); Roneeka Hodges (CON)
Which active player will make the best head coach someday? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 50% 
2. Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago – 17% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Lindsay Allen (DAL); Veronica Burton (GSV); Paige Bueckers (DAL); Alyssa Thomas (PHX) 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 36%
Which retired player who isn’t already coaching in the W should be? 
1. Sue Bird – 36% 
T-2. Katie Smith – 14% 
T-2. Candace Parker – 14% 
T-2. Seimone Augustus – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Lindsay Harding; Lisa Leslie; Diana Taurasi 
**Last year: Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Candice Dupree and Sue Bird – 18%
<hr />
<h3>MISCELLANEOUS</h3>
Which team will be the most fun to watch? 
1. Dallas – 36% 
T-2. Atlanta – 29% 
T-2. Indiana – 29% 
4. Golden State – 7% 
**Last year: Indiana – 75%
Which team has the best home-court advantage? 
1. Golden State – 64% 
2. Indiana – 21% 
3. New York – 14% 
**Last year: New York – 50%
Which team has the most promising young core? 
T-1. Dallas – 31% 
T-1. Seattle – 31% 
3. Washington – 23% 
4. Indiana – 15% 
**Last year: Indiana – 50%
Which player is the most athletic? 
1. Brittney Sykes, Toronto – 31% 
2. Dominique Malonga, Seattle – 15% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Cameron Brink (LAS); Kahleah Copper (PHX); Kelsey Mitchell (IND); Saniya Rivers (CON); Gabby Williams (GSV); A&#8217;ja Wilson (LVA); Jackie Young (LVA) 
**Last year: Kahleah Copper – 36%
Which player is the best passer? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93% 
2. Caitlin Clark, Indiana – 7% 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 75%
Which player is the best leader? 
1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 79% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Chelsea Gray (LVA); Breanna Stewart (NYL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier and A’ja Wilson – 42%
Who is the most versatile player in the WNBA? 
1. Breanna Stewart, New York – 36% 
T-2. Gabby Williams, Golden State – 21% 
T-2. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix – 21% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Napheesa Collier (MIN); Allisha Gray (ATL); Satou Sabally (NYL) 
**Last year: Napheesa Collier – 42%
Which player has the best basketball IQ? 
1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 93% 
2. Breanna Stewart, New York – 7% 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 36%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line? 
T-1. Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas – 36% 
T-1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas – 36% 
3. Jackie Young, Las Vegas – 14% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Paige Bueckers (DAL); Arike Ogunbowale (DAL) 
**Last year: Chelsea Gray – 25%
Which 2 teams will lead their conference in the Commissioner’s Cup to reach the championship game? 
1. Las Vegas (West) vs. New York (East) – 43% 
2. Las Vegas (West) vs. Atlanta (East) – 29% 
&gt;&gt; Also receiving votes: Las Vegas vs. Indiana; Phoenix vs. Atlanta; Dallas vs. New York; Los Angeles vs. New York 
**Last year: Minnesota (West) vs. New York (East) – 50%
Which change to the league this year will require the biggest adjustment? 
1. Development Player Spots – 42% 
2. New Expansion Teams – 25% 
3. New CBA – 17% 
4. World Cup Break – 8%

2026-wnba-gm-survey

2026 WNBA GM Survey: 42 Questions Ahead of the 30th Season

Free Agency 2026

The following is a press release from the Chicago Sky:
CHICAGO (April 12, 2026) — The Chicago Sky acquired forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks after coring guard Ariel Atkins and subsequently trading Atkins for Jackson, the team announced today.
“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”
Jackson was the No. 4 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, in the same class as Kamilla Cardoso. In two seasons in the league, Jackson maintains averages of 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.7% from three.
She took a step forward last season, jumping her scoring average by 1.3 points. She also maintained the same three-point shooting percentage as her All-Rookie season despite taking 1.8 more attempts per game.
For her efforts in her sophomore year in the WNBA, Jackson earned a vote for WNBA Most Valuable Player (finishing in the top 10).
She played collegiately at Mississippi State and Tennessee. Jackson began her college career at Mississippi State from 2019-22. In three seasons in Starkville, Mississippi, she averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Jackson transferred to Tennessee, playing there from 2022-24 and averaging 19.6 points per game, which ranks second all time in program history. She helped lead Tennessee to the Sweet 16 and Round of 32 in back-to-back years.
In all, Jackson averaged 17.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 127 career collegiate appearances.
The 6-foot-2 forward recently participated in USA Basketball’s Women’s National Team Training Camp in Phoenix. She has extensive experience with USA Basketball, suiting up for the 2023 USA Women&#8217;s AmeriCup Team and 2019 USA 3&#215;3 Women&#8217;s U18 National Team, winning silver and gold, respectively.
Jackson is from Royal Oak, Michigan. She was a McDonald’s All-American in high school in 2019.
The Sky originally acquired Atkins in a February 2025 trade. She appeared in 34 games with the Sky, averaging 13.1 points.
Chicago will tip off the 2026 regular season on Saturday, May 9 against the expansion Portland Fire on the road at 8 p.m. CT. Follow @chicagosky on all social media platforms and head to <a title="http://sky.wnba.com/" href="http://sky.wnba.com">sky.wnba.com</a> for the latest news, content and ticket purchasing. The full 2026 Sky season schedule can be viewed <a title="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/1611661329/2026/01/PDF-SCHEDULE-UPDATED.pdf" href="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/1611661329/2026/01/PDF-SCHEDULE-UPDATED.pdf" data-outlook-id="4dabe355-c4f2-4ac4-a8c5-0c9f3e336622">here</a>.

chicago-sky-acquire-rickea-jackson

Chicago Sky Acquire Forward Rickea Jackson

It&#8217;s 2025 WNBA Assists Week! Who had the best dime-dropping action from the 2025 season?
<hr />
<h2>Best Team: Minnesota Lynx</h2>
The Minnesota Lynx have established themselves as one of the most efficient passing teams in WNBA history. In the 2025 season, the Lynx averaged 23.3 assists per game, ranking third all-time in single-season assist averages. This follows their 2024 season where they averaged 23.0 assists per game.
With these back-to-back seasons, the Lynx now account for two of the four instances in league history where a team averaged 23+ assists per game.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/minnesotalynx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@minnesotalynx</a> led the league with 746 assisted catch and shoots this szn, a masterclass in timing and touch.
See how these dimes turned into pure rhythm! 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAAssistsWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBAAssistsWeek</a> | Powered by GeniusIQ <a href="https://t.co/hlGHRaQeAC">pic.twitter.com/hlGHRaQeAC</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1986841337396662422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<hr />
<h2>Best Player: Alyssa Thomas</h2>
With a 2025 campaign highlighted by a record-breaking eight triple-double performances, Alyssa Thomas set the record for most total assists in a regular season (357) over 39 games. Her 9.15 APG led the league and marked the second-highest regular season APG average in WNBA history.
Thomas made history by becoming the first player to record three seasons with 300+ assists.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Of course we&#39;re leading the week with the season assists leader 👏
Alyssa Thomas delivered elite pace and vision all year, averaging 9.2 APG and recording her third 300+ assist season.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAAssistsWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBAAssistsWeek</a> <a href="https://t.co/VPEE5jhc7K">pic.twitter.com/VPEE5jhc7K</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1985380989950889997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<hr />
<h3>Best Performance: Alyssa Thomas (August 22, 2025)</h3>
On August 22, 2025, Thomas delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season, dishing out 16 assists in a single game.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The top single-game assist performances of the szn ✔️
Alyssa Thomas recorded a <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixMercury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@phoenixmercury</a> franchise record against the Valkyries with 16 AST to go along with 13 PTS and 12 REB.
Thomas finished the szn as the league leader in AST!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WNBAAssistsWeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WNBAAssistsWeek</a> <a href="https://t.co/jhvEemSOC5">pic.twitter.com/jhvEemSOC5</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1986177476674916722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<hr />
<h3>Top 10 Assists of the Year</h3>
Check out the best dimes from the 2025 season!
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Top 10 Assists of the 2025 Season" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/440-EA_0kR4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

2025-wnba-assists-week

2025 WNBA Assists Week: Best in Ball Movement

Latest

Rickea Jackson

The Chicago Sky exercised their option with Rickea Jackson.

Rickea Jackson was traded from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Chicago Sky.

Out for season after tearing ACL

Slated to undergo MRI

Won't return Sunday

Helped to locker room Sunday

Leads all scorers Friday

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