Ariel Atkins - WNBA News, Rumors, & Updates

Kelsey Plum scores 38, Erica Wheeler hits clutch 3-pointer and Sparks defeat Aces 101-95

Kelsey Plum scored a season-high 38 points, Erica Wheeler hit the go-ahead 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, and the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Las Vegas Aces 101-95

6 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Records 11 points in return Atkins finished Thursday's 97-88 victory over Phoenix with 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 0-1 FT), one rebound, two assists, one block and three steals across 24 minutes.

Impact Atkins missed the past two games due to a concussion, but she made it through the entire game without any ill effects of her injury. She was also one of four Los Angeles starters to notch at least two successful three-pointers, and she totaled a team-best three steals. The latter might be her best category, accounting for 2.4 steals per game in three outings this season.

MAY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Hamby has 27 points, 15 boards to lead Sparks to 97-88 win over Mercury

Dearica Hamby scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks rode a big second quarter to a 97-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury

MAY 22 • Associated Press

Sparks vs. Mercury Prediction, Odds, Best WNBA Prop Bet for Thursday, May 21 Injuries have contributed to a slow start to the 2026 season for the Los Angeles Sparks, but they have Ariel Atkins (concussion protocol) ex...

MAY 21 • SI.COM

Good to go for Thursday Head coach Lynne Roberts said Tuesday that Atkins (concussion) will be "good to go" for Thursday's game against the Mercury, independent WNBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Impact Although Atkins didn't do any live work during Tuesday's practice, Roberts said there was "no need" to risk her being hit. The 29-year-old guard is set to return from a two-game absence Thursday, which will leave fewer minutes available for Erica Wheeler, Kate Martin and Chance Gray.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Practices Tuesday Atkins (concussion) was a practice participant Tuesday, per independent writer Justin Russo.

Impact Atkins has missed back-to-back games due to a concussion, but she appears to be making progress in her recovery. The Sparks are set to release an official injury report at some point ahead of Thursday's game against the Mercury, which will help clear up if Atkins has passed the league's protocol.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Sunday Atkins (concussion protocol) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Toronto.

Impact Atkins will miss a second consecutive contest while in the league's concussion protocol. Her next opportunity to play will come Thursday in Phoenix. Erica Wheeler will likely get the starting nod again, while Chance Gray and Ta'Niya Latson are also candidates to see increased playing time.

MAY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against Tempo Atkins (concussion protocol) is listed as out for Friday's game against Toronto.

Impact Atkins suffered a head injury in Wednesday's 87-78 loss to Indiana, ending her night after 16 minutes of action. Without Atkins on the floor versus Toronto, Erica Wheeler is considered the favorite to take her spot in the rotation. Her next opportunity to suit up will be when these clubs meet again Sunday.

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell lead the Fever past the Sparks, 87-78

Caitlin Clark had 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell added 23 points, and the Indiana Fever beat the Los Angeles Sparks 87-78

MAY 14 • Associated Press

Won't return Wednesday Atkins won't return to Wednesday's game against the Fever due to a head injury.

Impact The severity of Atkins head injury isn't currently clear, but for now, she can be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Tempo. Atkins' absence would open up minutes for Erica Wheeler and Chance Gray.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Matches team high in steals Atkins amassed eight points (3-12 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, three assists and three steals over 32 minutes during Sunday's 105-78 loss to Las Vegas.

Impact Following a one-year stay with Chicago, Atkins tied a team high in steals in her Sparks debut. She looks initially to be in line for a similar role that she played with the Sky -- Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 28.5 minutes per contest across 34 regular-season games in 2025.

MAY 11 • ROTOWIRE

After the CBA opened the floodgates, some notable WNBA All-Stars decided to play closer to home

All-Stars Brittney Griner, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Satou Sabally all found new places to play this season, taking advantage of free agency

MAY 5 • Associated Press

Productive in preseason opener Atkins logged eight points (3-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt), six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 23 minutes during Saturday's 89-63 preseason win over the Nigeria National Team.

Impact Atkins donned her new uniform for the first time in Saturday's preseason matchup after being traded to the Sparks from the Sky earlier this month, and she had solid production in multiple areas, leading the team in rebounds, steals and playing time during the comfortable victory. Atkins should maintain a high level of fantasy production in 2026 while playing alongside Kelsey Plum in the Sparks' backcourt.

APRIL 26 • ROTOWIRE

"Angel Reese punching the air right now" - WNBA Fans Hyped As Rickea Jackson Joins Chicago Sky Amid Major Roster Overhaul The Chicago Sky acquired Rickea Jackson in a trade from the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday. The Sky gave away two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to acquire the former first-round p...

APRIL 12 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Sparks trade Rickea Jackson to Sky for Ariel Atkins in WNBA free agency splash The Los Angeles Sparks traded Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins in a WNBA free agency player swap.

APRIL 12 • USATODAY.COM

Chicago Sky Acquire Forward Rickea Jackson CHICAGO (April 12, 2026) — The Chicago Sky acquired forward Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks after coring guard Ariel Atkins and s...

APRIL 12 • WNBA.COM

Chicago Sky land rising star Rickea Jackson from LA Sparks in a trade for Ariel Atkins

The Chicago Sky have acquired Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks for Ariel Atkins

APRIL 12 • Associated Press

All-Star Gabby Williams joins the Valkyries on a multiyear deal and Alyssa Thomas returns to Phoenix

The Valkyries say All-Star Gabby Williams has signed a multiyear deal with Golden State while Alyssa Thomas is headed back to the Phoenix Mercury

APRIL 12 • Associated Press

Headed to Los Angeles The Sky traded Atkins to the Sparks on Sunday in exchange for Rickea Jackson, Alexa Philippou of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Atkins spent one season in Chicago, averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 28.5 minutes across 34 appearances (all starts). However, the Sky have completely changed directions, trading away Angel Reese and Atkins this offseason. In Los Angeles, Atkins will form a dynamic backcourt duo with Kelsey Plum. The Sparks also retained Dearica Hamby and signed Nneka Ogwumike this offseason, so they're gearing up for a postseason run.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Receives core qualifying offer The Sky extended a core qualifying offer to Atkins on Monday.

Impact Atkins will get a one-year deal worth the supermax if she accepts the offer. However, the two sides could still negotiate a move elsewhere via sign-and-trade if desired. Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 28.5 minutes during her first season in Chicago last season, and after the trade of Angel Reese, the Sky need a veteran leader like Atkins moving forward.

APRIL 7 • ROTOWIRE

2025-26 Sky Overseas + Offseason Updates: Rundown No. 3 CHICAGO (January 7, 2025) — Nine Chicago Sky players are currently participating or set to play in domestic or overseas play this offseason....

JANUARY 7 • WNBA.COM

2025-26 Sky Overseas + Offseason Updates: Rundown No. 2 CHICAGO (December 16, 2025) — Nine Chicago Sky players are currently participating or set to play in domestic or overseas play this offseaso...

DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WNBA.COM

Sky's Angel Reese, Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins will not conduct exit interviews These three players are at the center of the offseason's biggest questions.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 • SUNTIMES.COM

Won't play vs. Liberty Atkins (back) is out for Thursday's game against the Liberty, Christian Conway of Winsidr reports.

Impact A back injury will cost Atkins her third straight game and Chicago's regular-season finale. With Atkins finished for the year, Sevgi Uzun and Kia Nurse are candidates for an amplified role in the Chicago backcourt against New York.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Tuesday Atkins (back) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Aces, Karli Bell of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Impact Atkins will miss her second consecutive game due to a back issue. Sevgi Uzun and Kia Nurse are candidates for increased roles with Atkins sidelined. The 29-year-old guard's last opportunity to suit up in the 2025 campaign will come in Thursday's regular-season finale against New York.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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