Rickea Jackson made an immediate impact in her Chicago Sky debut, logging 36 minutes on the WNBA's opening day. The former Lady Vol standout helped Chicago secure a 98-83 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Saturday, kicking off the 2026 regular season with a strong statement.

Jackson, a 6-foot-2 forward, delivered a well-rounded performance with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block. She shot 5-of-14 from the field, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, and was clutch at the free-throw line, hitting 8-of-10 attempts.

This season marks a new chapter for Jackson, who was traded to Chicago from the Los Angeles Sparks on April 12 in exchange for Ariel Atkins. Originally selected by the Sparks with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson brings a versatile skill set shaped by her collegiate career at Tennessee (2022-24) after transferring from Mississippi State.

During her final season with the Lady Vols in 2023-24, Jackson averaged an impressive 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning USA TODAY Sports Network All-SEC First-Team honors twice. Her ability to score efficiently and crash the boards has made her a valuable asset for the Sky's frontcourt rotation.

Chicago (1-0) will look to build on this momentum when they face the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday at 10 p.m. EDT. With Jackson's energy and versatility on display, the Sky are poised for an exciting season ahead.