Rickea Jackson Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth

Rickea Jackson is an American professional basketball player who has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young stars in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Known for her versatile scoring ability, fashion-forward style, and charismatic personality, Jackson has transcended the court to become a cultural icon in women’s sports. From her dominant college career at Mississippi State and Tennessee to becoming the face of the Los Angeles Sparks’ rebuilding efforts, Jackson represents the new generation of WNBA athletes who blend athletic excellence with off-court entrepreneurship and social media savvy. As of 2026, she continues to build her legacy while navigating both professional triumphs and personal challenges in the public eye.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

Rickea Velece Jackson was born on March 16, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in the nearby suburb of Royal Oak. Basketball runs deep in her family—her mother, Caryn Jackson, played collegiately at the University of Kansas, creating an environment where Rickea and her three brothers (Rickey Jr., Ryon, and Jordan) naturally gravitated toward the sport.

Jackson attended Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA), a charter school that would become synonymous with Michigan basketball excellence. During her four-year high school career, she established herself as arguably the greatest girls’ basketball player in state history:

• Three consecutive MHSAA Class C State Championships (2017, 2018, 2019)
• Detroit Edison’s all-time leading scorer with 1,771 points
• Michigan Miss Basketball (2019)
• McDonald’s All-American (2019)
• Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year (2018, 2019)

Detroit Free Press sportswriter Mick McCabe famously declared her “the greatest girls basketball player in Michigan. Ever.” Her senior year averages of 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game merely scratched the surface of her impact, as she led DEPSA to a 76-7 record during her four-year varsity career.

Career Journey

College Career: From Starkville to Rocky Top

Mississippi State (2019-2022) Jackson began her collegiate career at Mississippi State, where she immediately made an impact as a freshman, leading the Bulldogs in scoring at 15.1 points per game. Over three seasons in Starkville, she:

• Started 58 of 67 games
• Averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game
• Led the team in scoring all three years
• Scored a career-high 40 points against McNeese State (December 1, 2021)

University of Tennessee (2022-2024) Seeking a new challenge, Jackson transferred to Tennessee for her final two seasons, where she elevated her game to elite status:

• 2022-23: Averaged 19.2 points and 6.1 rebounds; shot career bests of 54.8% from the field
• 2023-24: Averaged 20.2 points and 6.1 rebounds; finished with 2,261 career points (6th all-time among Lady Vols)
• Named to the SEC All-Tournament Team and earned multiple All-SEC honors

WNBA Career: Los Angeles Sparks

2024 Rookie Season The Los Angeles Sparks selected Jackson with the 4th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Despite the team’s struggles with injuries and a 17-23 record, Jackson shined individually:

• 13.4 points per game (team high)
• 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game
• 45.6% field goal percentage
• Named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team alongside Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

2025 Season Jackson took another leap forward in her sophomore campaign:

• 14.7 points per game (career high)
• 34.8% three-point shooting (significant improvement)
• Set career-high with 30 points against the Las Vegas Aces (June 12, 2025)
• Started 37 of 38 games, solidifying her role as a franchise building block

Unrivaled 3×3 League In 2025, Jackson expanded her professional portfolio by competing in the “Unrivaled” 3×3 basketball league for Team Mist, showcasing her versatility in the emerging half-court format.

Personal Life

Jackson maintains a relatively private personal life, though her relationships have occasionally made headlines. In 2025, she was confirmed to be dating NFL player James Pearce Jr., a former University of Tennessee teammate who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. However, in February 2026, the couple made news following a domestic dispute incident in Miami that resulted in Pearce’s arrest. Jackson was confirmed to be physically unharmed in the incident.

Off the court, Jackson is deeply committed to her Detroit roots. She has participated in numerous community giveback events, including book bag giveaways and youth basketball clinics. Her interests extend beyond basketball into fashion and entrepreneurship, positioning herself as a multidimensional brand.

Awards & Achievements

High School Honors

• Michigan Miss Basketball (2019)
• McDonald’s All-American (2019)
• Jordan Brand Classic participant (2019)
• 3x MHSAA Class C State Champion (2017-2019)
• Detroit Edison All-Time Leading Scorer (1,771 points)

College Accolades

• 2x First-Team All-SEC (2023, 2024)
• SEC All-Tournament Team (2023)
• Gillom Trophy winner (Tennessee’s top women’s basketball player)
• Sixth all-time in scoring at Tennessee (2,261 points)
• Fourth-highest career scoring average in Lady Vols history (19.6 ppg)

Professional Honors

• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2024)
• First WNBA player to sign endorsement deal with Skechers (2024)
• Career-high 30 points in single game (2025)

International Experience

• FIBA Women’s AmeriCup All-Star Five (2023)
• Silver medal with Team USA at 2023 FIBA AmeriCup
• Gold medal at 2019 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“It means a lot. To be the first of anything is just crazy, because you go down in history forever. No one can ever forget the first, no matter what it is. Being that, in itself, has been a blessing.” — On being the first WNBA player signed to Skechers

“I just want to be remembered as someone who gave it their all every single night, who represented Detroit and Tennessee with pride, and who opened doors for the next generation.” — On her basketball legacy

“The game is evolving, and I’m evolving with it. Whether it’s the WNBA, Unrivaled, or overseas, I’m a basketball player first and foremost.” — On her professional approach

Controversies

February 2026 Domestic Incident

In early February 2026, Jackson was involved in a highly publicized domestic dispute with then-boyfriend James Pearce Jr., an NFL defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons. According to law enforcement reports, the incident began when Pearce allegedly stalked Jackson from his vehicle and attempted to enter her car at an intersection. When she sped away, Pearce allegedly intentionally crashed his Lamborghini into her vehicle multiple times in an attempt to prevent her from reaching a police station.

The incident escalated into a police chase that ended with Pearce’s arrest near Miami. He faces multiple charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (domestic), aggravated stalking (domestic), and aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer. Jackson was confirmed as the victim in the case and was physically unharmed, though the incident drew significant media attention to the intersection of domestic violence and professional sports.

Salary & Net Worth

WNBA Contract Details

As the 4th overall pick, Jackson received the maximum rookie-scale salary available, matching the earnings of the top three selections.

Endorsement Portfolio

Jackson has strategically built an impressive endorsement portfolio that significantly supplements her WNBA income:

• Skechers: First WNBA player signed to the brand; multi-year footwear and apparel deal featuring the SKX NEXUS basketball shoe
• Beats by Dre: Audio equipment partnership
• HEYDUDE Shoes: Casual footwear collaboration
• Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville: Regional automotive deal
• Roc Nation Sports: Representation deal
• NIL Deals: Various partnerships during her Tennessee career

Net Worth Estimates

Financial estimates for Jackson vary considerably:

• Conservative estimates: $400,000 (based primarily on salary and early endorsements)
• Higher estimates: $1-2 million (factoring in Skechers deal and growing marketability)

Her net worth trajectory shows steady growth from approximately $201,000 in 2020 to current estimates, with significant upside potential as she enters her prime earning years.

Interesting Facts

1. Historic Skechers Deal: Jackson became the first female basketball player ever signed by Skechers to a performance footwear contract, marking the brand’s serious entry into the basketball market.
2. Charter School Pioneer: She is the first Michigan charter school alumna to play in the WNBA, highlighting the success of Detroit Edison Public School Academy’s athletic program.
3. Family Basketball Legacy: Her mother played at Kansas, and one of her brothers also played college basketball, making hoops a true family affair.
4. Transfer Portal Success: After transferring from Mississippi State to Tennessee, she became one of the most successful portal transfers in recent women’s basketball history.
5. Community Champion: Jackson regularly hosts free basketball camps in Detroit and has donated thousands of dollars in school supplies to underprivileged students.
6. Versatile Scorer: She is one of only six players in Lady Vols history to score 2,000+ points, and her 19.6 career scoring average ranks fourth in program history.
7. 3×3 Experience: Competed in the Unrivaled league in 2025, showcasing adaptability to different basketball formats.
8. McDonald’s to WNBA: One of the few players to maintain elite status from high school (McDonald’s All-American) through college to the professional ranks without significant regression.

Social Media Links

Note: Follower counts are estimates based on 2025 data and subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old is Rickea Jackson? A: Rickea Jackson is 24 years old, born on March 16, 2001.

Q: What team does Rickea Jackson play for? A: She currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, selected 4th overall in the 2024 draft.

Q: What is Rickea Jackson’s salary? A: For the 2025 season, Jackson earns $78,066 on a four-year rookie contract worth $338,056.

Q: How tall is Rickea Jackson? A: She stands 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall.

Q: Where did Rickea Jackson go to college? A: She played three seasons at Mississippi State (2019-2022) before transferring to Tennessee for her final two seasons (2022-2024).

Q: What is Rickea Jackson’s net worth? A: Estimates range from $400,000 to $2 million, factoring in her WNBA salary and endorsement deals with Skechers, Beats by Dre, and others.

Q: Is Rickea Jackson dating anyone? A: As of early 2026, Jackson appears to be single following her highly publicized split from NFL player James Pearce Jr.

Q: What makes Rickea Jackson unique among WNBA players? A: She was the first WNBA player signed to Skechers, marking a historic partnership for the brand’s entry into women’s basketball performance footwear.

Conclusion

Rickea Jackson’s journey from Detroit charter school phenom to WNBA rising star exemplifies the modern athlete’s path—combining on-court excellence with off-court entrepreneurship. At just 24 years old, she has already secured her place in basketball history as a record-setting scorer at Tennessee, an All-Rookie selection in the WNBA, and a trailblazing endorser for Skechers. As she continues to develop her game with the Los Angeles Sparks, Jackson represents the future of women’s basketball: versatile, marketable, and unapologetically ambitious.

With her rookie contract running through 2027 and her endorsement portfolio expanding rapidly, the next chapter of Rickea Jackson’s career promises to be even more impactful than her impressive beginnings. Whether she’s dropping 30 points in a WNBA game or mentoring the next generation of Detroit ballers, Jackson is building a legacy that extends far beyond the box score.

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