Los Angeles Sparks Part Ways with General Manager Raegan Pebley After Missing Playoffs for Five Seasons

The Los Angeles Sparks agreed to part ways with general manager Raegan Pebley on Sunday. ESPN reported that Pebley had served in the role for two and a half years after being named the fifth general manager in franchise history on January 4, 2024. Assistant GMs Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen will serve as interim general managers, the team said.

The Sparks currently stand at 10-11 and sit in ninth place in the WNBA standings after missing the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. The team has won its last two games, defeating the Indiana Fever 106-92 on Wednesday and the Chicago Sky 102-87 on Friday. Leading scorer Kelsey Plum has been sidelined with a leg injury since June 21.

Managing partner and governor Eric Holoman said the organization is grateful for Pebley's leadership and commitment to the Sparks and women's basketball. He added that her work on the roster and player experience will have a lasting positive impact. Coach Lynne Roberts said Pebley is a friend and that she cares about her, but noted that her focus remains on the team.

Pebley was hired without prior executive experience and oversaw a 39-66 record during her tenure, which included the hiring of Roberts after the departure of previous coach Curt Miller. The Sparks are an original WNBA franchise that dates to 1997 and won league titles in 2001, 2002 and 2016. Pebley was the third general manager in the past six years.