Drafted 7th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2018 WNBA draft, Atkins quickly established herself as a key player. She helped lead the Mystics to the WNBA Finals in her debut season and was a pivotal figure in their 2019 WNBA Championship victory. Atkins' defensive prowess earned her 5 selections to the WNBA All-Defensive Team.[3] She is the first, and as of 2025, the only player to do so in her first five years in the league.[4]
In August 2023, Atkins signed a multi-year extension to stay in Washington with the Mystics.[11]
Chicago Sky (2025–present)
On February 23, 2025, Atkins was traded to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the 2025 third overall pick, the 2027 second-round pick, and the rights to swap 2027 first-round picks.[12][4]
International
Atkins has also played internationally. She spent the 2018–19 season with InvestInTheWest ENEA Gorzów Wielkopolski in Poland and played for the Perth Lynx in Australia during the 2019–20 off-season.[citation needed]
Unrivaled
On February 21, 2025, Unrivaled signed Atkins to a relief player contract.[13]
Athletes Unlimited
In September 2025, Atkins joined Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball for its fifth season in Nashville, adding to her professional résumé alongside her WNBA and international career.[14]
In February 2024, Atkins joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective and their collaboration with VOICEINSPORT (VIS) as a mentor, "aimed at keeping girls in sport and developing diverse leaders on the court and beyond the game."[19][20]
↑"WNBA free agency and trade tracker 2025: Deals, news, moves". ESPN. Retrieved 24 February 2025. 7:20 p.m. ET: The Washington Mystics traded two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. The Mystics also received the rights to swap 2027 first-round picks with Chicago as well as the Sky's 2027 second-round pick.
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