The Los Angeles Sparks are a franchise in transition—but within that change lies opportunity. And no one seems more eager to seize it than second-year forward Rickea Jackson. As she enters her sophomore WNBA season, Jackson is brimming with confidence, determined to help shift the culture of a Sparks team searching for a return to prominence.
“I expect a way better winning record,” Jackson said bluntly on today’s episode of the Scoop B Radio podcast, when asked about her expectations for 2025. “We got some new additions, some people coming back. I expect us to be a completely new team, honestly—new coach, new everything. So I just think we’re just gonna turn that page this year.”
The “new everything” she mentions includes a reshaped roster, a refreshed coaching philosophy, and a renewed sense of urgency. After a season that saw the Sparks finish near the bottom of the standings, the team went into the offseason knowing change wasn’t optional—it was essential. Now, with a mix of young talent and experienced voices, Los Angeles is looking to reestablish its identity. For Jackson, that starts with internal growth.
A New Role, A New Rickea
Rickea Jackson’s rookie season showed flashes of the versatile talent that made her a standout at the University of Tennessee. The 6’2” forward brought scoring instincts, strong rebounding, and a physical presence that translated quickly to the pro level. But she knows that rookie flashes must become a consistent impact.
“Just growing,” Jackson said of her offseason mindset. “You know, going into my second year, taking that big leap. I wanna showcase my three-ball more, my one-on-one defense more, and things of that sort. Just becoming an overall better playmaker. So I’m excited for that.”
Her goals reflect a modern understanding of what it takes to succeed in the WNBA—especially for a wing-forward hybrid like herself. Stretching the floor with her shooting, locking down on defense, and making better reads as a facilitator aren’t just personal benchmarks—they’re requirements for helping a team in flux find its rhythm.
And Jackson isn’t just working to become a better individual player. She’s focused on becoming a better teammate and leader, too. “That leap” she referenced isn’t just about stats; it’s about maturity, consistency, and trust. In Year 2, she’ll be expected to lead not just by scoring, but by example.
Rooted in Passion, Inspired by Greatness
Unlike many elite players who grew up mimicking their basketball idols, Rickea Jackson’s origin story is refreshingly pure.
“Honestly, growing up, I was just playing because I loved it,” she said. “I didn’t even necessarily model my game after anyone.”
That love for the game propelled her through high school stardom and into one of the NCAA’s toughest conferences, where she shined in SEC competition. But over time, her appreciation for the game deepened, and so did her influences.
“As I got older… I started watching players like Candace Parker, now A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart,” Jackson explained. “She [Stewart] has a little bit of that as well. Just every player that’s tall and versatile—I was attracted to that.”
It’s a natural comparison. Jackson’s combination of length, footwork, and midrange scoring instincts mirrors the all-around skill sets of Parker, Wilson, and Stewart—each of whom have helped redefine what’s possible for women’s basketball forwards. Jackson isn’t claiming to be at their level yet—but by aligning her aspirations with those versatile superstars, she’s setting her ceiling high.
The Spark of a New Era
The Sparks’ 2025 campaign won’t be easy. The league is deeper than ever, with superteams forming and parity growing. But Rickea Jackson’s presence gives Los Angeles something every rebuilding team needs: hope and upside.
She represents both the future and the now. Her talent is undeniable, her work ethic evident, and her hunger to improve palpable. She’s not just another name on the roster—she’s a foundational piece. If Jackson makes the leap she envisions, the Sparks’ rebuild could accelerate faster than expected.
And even with all the change happening in LA—from the sidelines to the locker room—Jackson’s approach remains grounded in growth.
“Just becoming an overall better playmaker,” she repeated, almost like a mantra. “I’m excited for that.”
With a full offseason of development, clearer expectations, and a fire to prove herself among the league’s elite, Rickea Jackson is poised to be more than just a rising star—she’s ready to be a difference-maker.
