The Los Angeles Sparks are set to welcome Ariana Andonian as their new general manager, according to sources familiar with the situation. Andonian, who previously served as the vice president of player personnel for the Philadelphia 76ers, will be stepping into this pivotal role as the franchise aims to revitalize its operations.
Andonian's appointment comes after the Sparks decided to part ways with Raegan Pebley in July, following a tenure of two and a half years. The decision to hire Andonian was overseen by Farhan Zaidi, a special advisor to Sparks owner Mark Walter. This marks the third time in less than a year that the Sparks have recruited executives from the NBA, having previously hired assistant general managers Zach Knowlton from the Sacramento Kings and Nate Nielsen from the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the 2026 season.
With a robust background in basketball operations, Andonian has spent the last two seasons with the 76ers, following a seven-year stint with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. Additionally, she has experience consulting for the basketball program at Duke University while pursuing her MBA. Her diverse experience in the NBA is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Sparks, who have been seeking to enhance their front office after years of underinvestment in basketball operations.
The Sparks have a rich history in the WNBA but have struggled to maintain their competitive edge in recent years. They will miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, a stark contrast to their legacy as one of the league's premier franchises. The team's recent trades have left them with only two first-round picks from the past few seasons still on the roster: Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell. Andonian's primary challenge will be to rebuild the team and restore its former glory.
In addition to her role in player personnel decisions, Andonian will also have to evaluate the future of head coach Lynne Roberts. In her two seasons with the Sparks, Roberts has posted a record of 36 wins and 48 losses. While some players like Burrell have shown significant improvement, others, including Brink, have not made the anticipated impact, which raises questions about player development within the organization.
Looking ahead, the Sparks are on track to open a new practice facility in 2027, which will provide the team with a dedicated home after years of being displaced across Los Angeles County. This development is part of the broader effort to establish a stable foundation for the franchise moving forward.
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