In a draft class brimming with talent, the Los Angeles Sparks made a resounding statement with their No. 4 overall pick: Rickea Jackson was essential to their future. Following their initial selection of Cameron Brink, the Sparks doubled down on foundational pieces, choosing Jackson for her blend of scoring prowess and competitive spirit. This strategic vision for rebuilding, aiming to infuse the roster with high-impact players ready to contribute from day one, proved prescient.

With the unfortunate injury to Brink sidelining their other top pick, Jackson’s importance was magnified. She stepped into a more prominent role. Now, she stands not only as a vital contributor from the previous year but also as a cornerstone for the franchise’s ambitious future, embodying the talent and tenacity the Sparks are banking on for WNBA prominence. But how is the young forward being compensated for her contributions?

What is Rickea Jackson’s salary for the 2025 season? 

In 2025, Jackson will earn a base salary of $78,066 while carrying a cap hit of $78,066. This was the highest salary available to a rookie as part of the rookie scale and was awarded to Rickea since she was the 4th pick in the WNBA Draft. Only the three players picked above Rickea earned the same sum.

Further, her salary saw a two percent increase from last year. This increment is given to rookies across the league in each of their first two seasons. Rickea’s base salary was $76,535.

What is Rickea Jackson’s contract with the Los Angeles Sparks? What’s her career earnings? 

Rickea Jackson signed a rookie-scale contract with the Los Angeles Sparks that is set to earn her $338,056 across 4 years, including an average annual salary of $84,514.

The Rookie scale, decided as part of the CBA agreement in 2020, notes the salary of the rookies as per their position in the WNBA Draft. The 2024 rookie scale included a starting salary of $76,535 for picks one to four, $73,439 for picks five through eight, and $70,344 for the rest of the players selected in the first round. Moreover, the first and second round picks can expect a 10% increase by the third season and a 13.64 by 4th.

Being the 4th pick, Rickea’s salary will increase to $85,873 next year and subsequently become $97,582 when she enters the last year of her contract. As of 2025, Jackson has earned $76,535 from the first year of her contract and is set to earn $78,066 this year.

What are Rickea Jackson’s endorsements and investments? 

Through her excellent collegiate basketball career and her status as a future star in the WNBA, Rickea has garnered multiple endorsements and NIL deals. To start, she went big with the Skechers.

The performance basketball market expansion for the footwear and apparel brand brought its first female endorsement deal when they signed the then-Sparks rookie for a multi-year shoe contract. “Being the first WNBA player to join the Skechers roster is an incredible feeling,” Jackson said. “The brand is a rising star in the sports world.” The SKX NEXUS sneaker emerged through her initial photo shoot as a low-top hoop shoe that Greg Smith from Skechers stated would be released in 2025 due to its specifications for speed stability and support. Rickea is a fan of Skechers on and off the court, making her partnership fruitful for both parties.

Beyond her professional deals, Jackson’s financial savvy was evident even during her collegiate career, where she capitalized on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Her portfolio included collaborations with Topps, Lady Vol Boost Her Club, HEYDUDE Shoes, Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville, ZIPS Car Wash, Magnuson Performance, and Bojangles, alongside her personal website, RickeaJackson.com.

While WNBA salaries are modest compared to other major sports, Jackson’s strategic endorsements highlight the increasing financial opportunities available to WNBA stars.