Los Angeles Sparks rookie sensation Rickea Jackson is the most recent addition to Unmatched Basketball League, the brand new 3×3 basketball league that may happen in Miami through the WNBA offseason.
The league — launched by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart — will start in January, run for 8 weeks, and be made up of six groups with 5 gamers every. Thirty of the highest ladies’s basketball gamers on this planet will take part — 18 of whom have now been introduced.
Unmatched offers another for gamers who wish to make supplementary revenue to their WNBA wage, however don’t wish to go abroad. The league boasts a minimal wage of $150,000 per participant, and all gamers within the inaugural class could have fairness.
Rickea Jackson turns into second WNBA rookie to hitch Unmatched
With Tuesday’s announcement, Rickea Jackson turns into the second rookie to publicly decide to enjoying in Unmatched — Angel Reese was the primary announcement.
“With the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese advised reporters final month. “No person desires to go abroad. Lots of us by no means wanna need to go abroad, however some folks do need to go abroad sadly, so with the ability to make six figures inside three months, with the ability to be housed in Miami, simply with the ability to get higher.
Final month, Sparks head coach Curt Miller identified Jackson’s rising recognition in Los Angeles.
“She brings us loads of buzz as a part of this new era of gamers,” Miller mentioned. “And so she will get the loudest applause once we do the beginning lineups out in LA. She’s actually, actually in style.”
In her rookie marketing campaign, the fourth general choose is averaging 12.6 factors on 46.6% taking pictures. Of the three rookies averaging double-figure factors — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Jackson — Jackson has been essentially the most environment friendly. She’s additionally shot 37.2% from three-point vary.
“She is de facto, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is simply going to get higher,” Miller mentioned. “She now has the arrogance, and she or he is aware of she has the inexperienced mild to not hesitate. She’s in a groove proper now taking pictures the three, and it’s actually enjoyable to see that simply makes her much more dynamic. She’s going to be a particular one, and we’re all seeing it — we’re all seeing the expansion.”
There’s an extended record of rookies who might additionally assist drive curiosity in Unmatched, however Collier has confirmed that to this point, there are solely 4 rookies within the inaugural class. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin — each of whom have had top-selling jerseys to this point this season — could possibly be within the combine for these last spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to collaborating.
Up to date record of WNBA stars collaborating in Unmatched
With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to enjoying in Unmatched this winter:
- Allisha Grey (Dream)
- Angel Reese (Sky)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty)
- Chelsea Grey (Aces)
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks)
- Jackie Younger (Aces)
- Jewell Loyd (Storm)
- Kahleah Copper (Mercury)
- Kayla McBride (Lynx)
- Kelsey Plum (Aces)
- Marina Mabrey (Solar)
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx)
- Natasha Cloud (Mercury)
- Rhyne Howard (Dream)
- Rickea Jackson (Sparks)
- Satou Sabally (Wings)
- Skylar Diggins-Smith (Storm)
12 extra gamers can be introduced within the coming weeks.
