​LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Sparks announced on Sunday that they would be parting ways with general manager Raegan Pebley. In the interim, the responsibilities of the GM role will be shared by assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen. Pebley, who is 50, had been hired as GM in January 2024 without prior executive experience. Her tenure with the Sparks included a record of 39-66 and saw the team make a notable but controversial move when head coach Curt Miller was dismissed in September 2024 after two seasons at the helm. Lynne Roberts, who replaced Miller, led the team to a 21-23 mark in her first season.
Currently, the Sparks hold a 10-11 record, boasting back-to-back wins against the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky. They sit ninth in the WNBA standings and have not clinched a playoff berth since 2020. Historically, the franchise has claimed league championships in 2001, 2002, and 2016.
Pebley’s background includes coaching stints at TCU, Fresno State, and Utah State, as well as assistant coaching roles at Colorado State and George Mason. She also spent two seasons as a player in the WNBA. In announcing the change, Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman extended his gratitude for Pebley’s leadership and dedication to the organization and women’s basketball. “We are grateful to Raegan for her leadership and commitment to the Los Angeles Sparks and women’s basketball,” Holoman said in a statement. “Her work on the Sparks roster and player experience will have a lasting positive impact on our organization. We sincerely thank her for all she has invested in the Sparks and wish her success in her next chapter.”
The Sparks’ current leadership transition comes as the team attempts to navigate a competitive Western Conference and restore stability within the front office. For fans and observers tracking WNBA movements, more updates on the Sparks’ interim leadership and future strategic direction are anticipated in the coming weeks. For continued coverage of WNBA news, the AP WNBA hub remains a key resource.