Rickea Jackson: Height, Parents, James Pearce Jr, Salary, Stats and Career Overview

Rickea Jackson has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in women’s basketball. Known for her scoring ability, versatility, and strong presence on the court, Jackson has established herself as a rising star in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

After being selected fourth overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, Jackson immediately made an impact during her rookie season. Her journey from Detroit high school standout to professional basketball player reflects years of dedication, athletic ability, and hard work.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Rickea Jackson’s height, parents, relationship with James Pearce Jr., salary, career stats, and much more.

Rickea Jackson Early Life and Background

Rickea Velece Jackson was born on March 16, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. She grew up in a family that valued sports and competition, which helped shape her athletic career from an early age.

Jackson attended Detroit Edison Public School Academy, where she quickly gained recognition as one of the top high school basketball players in the country. During her senior year, she earned the prestigious Michigan Miss Basketball award and was also selected as a McDonald’s All-American, highlighting her elite status among young athletes.

Her success in high school paved the way for a strong college basketball career and eventually a spot in the WNBA.

Rickea Jackson Height and Physical Attributes

One of the most noticeable aspects of Rickea Jackson’s game is her size and athleticism.

Rickea Jackson physical profile

• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)

• Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

• Position: Small Forward

• Team: Los Angeles Sparks

Her height and wingspan give her an advantage when defending opponents and finishing near the basket. As a forward, Jackson uses her combination of speed, strength, and scoring ability to dominate both inside and outside the paint.

Her versatility allows coaches to use her in multiple roles, making her an extremely valuable player.

Rickea Jackson Parents and Family

Rickea Jackson comes from a supportive and sports-oriented family.

Parents

• Father: Rickey Jackson Sr.

• Mother: Caryn Jackson

Her mother, Caryn Jackson, was also a basketball player and earned All-State recognition during her playing days. Growing up with a parent who understood the game helped Rickea develop strong fundamentals and discipline early in her career.

Siblings

Rickea has three brothers:

• Rickey Jackson Jr.

• Ryon Jackson

• Jordan Anderson

Two of her brothers were also basketball players, and the competitive household environment helped push Rickea to improve her skills and pursue basketball professionally.

Her family continues to support her throughout her professional journey.

College Basketball Career

Before entering the WNBA, Rickea Jackson built a strong reputation during her college basketball career.

She first played for Mississippi State Bulldogs women’s basketball from 2019 to 2022. During her freshman season, she averaged:

• 15.1 points per game

• 5.1 rebounds per game

Her performance earned her SEC All-Freshman Team honors and second-team All-SEC recognition.

Later, Jackson transferred to Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball, where she continued to improve and became one of the top scorers in the Southeastern Conference.

Key highlights from her Tennessee career include:

• Averaged 19.2 points per game in the 2022–23 season

• Averaged 20.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in the 2023–24 season

• Named First-Team All-SEC twice

Her scoring ability and leadership helped establish her as a top prospect for the WNBA Draft.

WNBA Draft and Professional Career

Rickea Jackson entered the 2024 WNBA Draft as one of the most highly anticipated prospects.

The Los Angeles Sparks selected her with the 4th overall pick, marking the start of her professional basketball career.

During her rookie season, Jackson quickly proved she belonged at the professional level. She averaged 13.4 points per game while playing significant minutes and contributing as a scorer and defender.

Her strong rookie campaign earned her a place on the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2024.

Despite the Sparks struggling with injuries that season, Jackson emerged as one of the team’s most promising young players.

Rickea Jackson Stats

Below are Rickea Jackson’s WNBA career statistics through the 2025 season.

Jackson’s scoring numbers have steadily improved as she gains experience in the league.

Her ability to score from mid-range, attack the rim, and shoot from three-point range makes her one of the most versatile forwards in the WNBA.

Rickea Jackson Salary and Contract

After being drafted fourth overall in the WNBA Draft, Rickea Jackson signed a four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Sparks worth approximately $338,056.

Contract Breakdown

Her average annual salary is around $84,514.

In addition to her WNBA salary, Jackson earns income through endorsements and partnerships.

Endorsements and Net Worth

Rickea Jackson’s growing popularity has attracted several endorsement deals.

She became the first WNBA player signed by Skechers for a basketball shoe deal, marking a significant milestone for the brand in women’s basketball.

Other partnerships include:

• Beats by Dre

• HEYDUDE Shoes

• Mercedes-Benz regional partnerships

Because of these deals, her estimated net worth ranges between $400,000 and $2 million depending on endorsements and business ventures.

Rickea Jackson and James Pearce Jr.

Rickea Jackson’s personal life gained attention due to her relationship with football player James Pearce Jr..

Pearce Jr. is a defensive player who rose to prominence while playing college football at Tennessee and later entered the NFL.

The two athletes reportedly began dating around 2025 and occasionally appeared together publicly. However, their relationship later ended and attracted media coverage due to legal issues following a domestic dispute.

As of 2026, Jackson appears to be focused primarily on her professional basketball career.

Playing Style and Strengths

Rickea Jackson’s game is built around versatility and scoring ability.

Key strengths

1. Elite scoring ability

Jackson can score from multiple spots on the floor, making her difficult to defend.

2. Size and athleticism

At 6-foot-2, she has the height and length needed to guard multiple positions.

3. Mid-range shooting

Her mid-range game is considered one of her most effective offensive weapons.

4. Defensive versatility

She can guard both wings and forwards, adding defensive value to her team.

These qualities make her a key piece for the Sparks as they rebuild their roster.

Achievements and Awards

Rickea Jackson has earned several honors throughout her basketball career.

Major achievements

• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2024)

• 2× First-Team All-SEC

• SEC All-Freshman Team (2020)

• Gillom Trophy winner (2020)

• Michigan Miss Basketball (2019)

• McDonald’s All-American (2019)

These accolades highlight her consistent performance at every level of basketball.

Future Outlook

Rickea Jackson is still early in her professional career, but many analysts believe she has the potential to become a future WNBA All-Star.

As she continues to gain experience and refine her skills, her scoring numbers and leadership role within the Los Angeles Sparks are expected to grow.

If she continues developing at her current pace, Jackson could become one of the most recognizable stars in women’s basketball over the next decade.

FAQs

How tall is Rickea Jackson?

Rickea Jackson is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall and plays the small forward position for the Los Angeles Sparks.

Who are Rickea Jackson’s parents?

Her parents are Rickey Jackson Sr. and Caryn Jackson, both of whom played important roles in supporting her basketball career.

What team does Rickea Jackson play for?

Rickea Jackson currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

What is Rickea Jackson’s salary?

Rickea Jackson earns about $78,066 per year under her rookie WNBA contract, which is worth about $338,056 over four years.

Did Rickea Jackson date James Pearce Jr.?

Yes, she was previously linked to NFL player James Pearce Jr., though their relationship reportedly ended in 2026.

What are Rickea Jackson’s WNBA stats?

Through the 2025 season, Jackson averaged around 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in her WNBA career.