Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Sparks Appoint Ariana Andonian as General Manager
9/5/2026, 10:58:12 AM
Core Appointment
The Los Angeles Sparks announced that Ariana Andonian will serve as the franchise’s general manager, succeeding Raegan Pebley, who was dismissed on July 12. Andonian joins the Sparks after serving as vice president of player personnel for the Philadelphia 76ers and as general manager of their G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
Recent Performance and Organizational Turnover
The Sparks have missed the WNBA playoffs for six consecutive seasons and entered the current break with a 15-25 record. The franchise has experienced frequent changes at the general-manager level, naming six GMs since its inception in 1997. Turnover accelerated after longtime GM Penny Toler was fired on Oct. 4, 2019, following a semifinal sweep. Since then, former NBA player Derek Fisher, executive Karen Bryant, and Raegan Pebley have each held the position, with Fisher also serving as head coach.
Data and Statistics
- Current season record: 15-25 (missed playoffs for sixth straight year).
- GM turnover: six general managers in franchise history; five changes in the past seven years.
- Personnel moves: veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike will retire after the season; guard Kelsey Plum was traded to Phoenix in August and will become a free agent.
Official Statements & Responses
“Coming home to Southern California to serve as general manager of the Sparks is an opportunity of a lifetime,” — Ariana Andonian
Future Outlook
Andonian will oversee all basketball-operations functions, including roster construction, scouting, and the decision on the future of head coach Lynne Roberts, who is completing her second season. She is also slated to attend the upcoming FIBA World Cup, where she will evaluate international talent for the Sparks’ rebuilding efforts.
