Los Angeles Sparks Hired Ariana Andonian as GM
The Los Angeles Sparks announced the hiring of 31-year-old Ariana Andonian as general manager on September 4.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Following the departure of former general manager Raegan Pebley, the Los Angeles Sparks appointed Ariana Andonian to lead the organization. The team finished the recent season with a 16-28 record.
Why it matters
The franchise is looking for a turnaround after missing the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. The team has not secured a postseason victory since 2019.
The Sparks finished in 12th place this season with a 16-28 record. The team currently holds a 7.5% combined probability of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 WNBA draft.
The players
Ariana Andonian
She is the 31-year-old general manager for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Los Angeles Sparks
This is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles that plays in the WNBA.
Raegan Pebley
She previously served as the general manager of the Los Angeles Sparks until July 2026.
Lynne Roberts
She served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks until she was fired in September 2026.
The details
Andonian, who began her career in the NBA in 2015, focuses on scouting international talent and assessing player character. Her tenure at the Los Angeles organization begins as the team undergoes significant structural changes.
Timeline
Ariana Andonian began working in the NBA in 2015.
The Sparks last won a playoff game in 2019.
Raegan Pebley was fired in July 2026.
The hiring of Ariana Andonian was announced on September 4, 2026.
The WNBA draft is scheduled for 2027.
Season Trajectory
The hiring of a new general manager initiates a rebuild phase for a franchise that has been absent from the playoffs since the 2019 WNBA playoff series. This move aims to alter the team’s current standing at the bottom of the league rankings.
The team finished the season in 12th place, directly impacting their lottery odds for the upcoming draft. Fans can track the roster-building progress as the organization holds a 7.5% chance at the top overall selection.
The takeaway
Andonian brings a focus on international scouting and character assessment to a struggling franchise. Her immediate challenge is identifying a new head coach to lead the roster through a critical rebuild period.
What happens next
The organization is expected to conduct a search for a new head coach ahead of the 2027 season and will participate in the 2027 WNBA draft lottery.
Further reading
For more background on the team's ongoing search for stability, visit the Basketball section.
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