Rickea Jackson does not have a publicly confirmed boyfriend as of August 2026. The WNBA player, who has continued to make headlines on the basketball court, has kept her current romantic life largely private following the end of her relationship with former NFL prospect James Pearce Jr.
Jackson’s name became linked with Pearce after the two athletes met while attending the University of Tennessee. Both were highly regarded sports prospects, and their relationship eventually attracted attention from fans after Jackson attended the 2025 NFL Draft with Pearce.
Their relationship later ended, and the former couple became involved in a serious legal situation. Since then, there has been no credible public confirmation that Jackson has entered another relationship.
Is She Dating?
There is currently no publicly known boyfriend for Jackson.
The Sparks star has not announced a new relationship, and there has been no reliable confirmation of another romantic partner. Social media speculation can often create the impression that a celebrity athlete is dating someone, but rumors and fan theories are not the same as a confirmed relationship.
For now, Jackson appears to be keeping that part of her life away from the spotlight.
Her professional career has remained the more visible focus, particularly as she continues competing in the WNBA.
James Pearce Jr.
Jackson’s best-known public relationship was with James Pearce Jr., a football player who also attended Tennessee.
The two were connected through their shared university background and athletic careers. Their relationship became more widely known when Jackson attended the NFL Draft with Pearce.
At the time, the pairing attracted attention because both were emerging professional athletes. Jackson was establishing herself in women’s basketball, while Pearce was preparing for the next stage of his football career.
Their relationship eventually ended, however, and what followed was far more serious than an ordinary celebrity breakup.
The February Incident
On February 7, 2026, Pearce was arrested in Miami-Dade County following an alleged domestic incident involving Jackson.
According to reports about the case, Jackson told authorities that Pearce had repeatedly rammed his vehicle into her car while she was attempting to get away and reach a police station.
These are allegations reported in connection with the legal proceedings, and Pearce has faced the resulting legal and professional consequences.
The incident transformed what had once been a sports power couple’s relationship into a matter involving law enforcement and the courts.
Protective Order
Jackson subsequently sought legal protection.
In March 2026, she filed a petition for a protective order against Pearce. In her filing, she expressed fear for her safety and described the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation.
A court granted a stay-away order that restricted Pearce from contacting Jackson.
The protective order represented a significant step in Jackson’s separation from her former partner. Rather than continuing a public relationship narrative, the situation became a legal matter centered on her safety and privacy.
NFL Suspension
The controversy also affected Pearce’s football career.
On August 14, 2026, the NFL announced an eight-game suspension for Pearce for violating the league’s personal conduct policy in connection with the incident involving Jackson.
The suspension represents one of the most significant professional consequences stemming from the dispute.
For Jackson, however, the central issue has remained her own life and career rather than Pearce’s future in football.
Jackson’s Career
Jackson has continued building her identity as a professional basketball player.
The Tennessee product was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She quickly became an important part of the franchise’s young core.
Her combination of size, scoring ability and versatility made her one of the most closely watched young players in the league.
As her career develops, Jackson has increasingly been recognized for her performances rather than her personal relationships.
Keeping Things Private
Jackson has not publicly announced a new romance since her split from Pearce.
That privacy is understandable given how much attention her previous relationship ultimately received. The legal dispute surrounding her former boyfriend brought intense public scrutiny to an already personal situation.
There is also no indication that Jackson wants her current dating life to become a major part of her public image.
Fans may continue to speculate whenever she is photographed with another person, but without a direct confirmation from Jackson or a reliable report, those claims should be treated cautiously.
No New Relationship Confirmed
The question “Who is Rickea Jackson’s boyfriend?” currently has a straightforward answer: there is no publicly confirmed boyfriend in 2026.
Her relationship with Pearce is over, and Jackson has taken formal legal steps to maintain separation from him. There has been no credible announcement linking her romantically to someone new.
That does not necessarily mean Jackson is permanently single. It simply means that she has not publicly identified another partner.
What Comes Next?
For now, Jackson’s attention appears to be centered on basketball and moving forward from a difficult period in her personal life.
The 2026 season represents another opportunity for the young WNBA star to develop her game and establish herself among the league’s leading players.
Her story has recently included far more than basketball, but her current public profile is increasingly defined by what she does on the court.
As of August 2026, there is no confirmed new relationship to report. Jackson has separated herself from Pearce and has maintained her privacy regarding her romantic life.
For fans searching for Rickea Jackson’s boyfriend, the safest and most accurate update is that she is not publicly known to be dating anyone right now. Any new relationship would need to be confirmed by Jackson herself or supported by credible reporting before it can be treated as fact.
