Sparks part ways with GM Raegan Pebley after Friday's statement win

General Manager Raegan Pebley photo courtesy of the LA Times

The Los Angeles Sparks secured another statement win on Friday, beating the Chicago Sky 87-102. In a rare complete performance, the Sparks limited turnovers, locked in defensively, and made smarter shot selections from start to finish.

Playing 40 minutes of basketball is something coach Lynne Roberts has been looking for all season. She said that after Monday’s 64-82 loss to the Seattle Storm, the team had a collective mindset shift.

“After the game on Monday, I think there was just kind of like, ‘enough’ mentality,” Roberts said, noting that the shift extended beyond the players to the coaching staff as well.

That sense of urgency now comes amid a major organizational change. The Sparks announced Friday they have parted ways with general manager Raegan Pebley. In a statement, the team said assistant GMs Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen will share interim duties.

During her tenure, Pebley helped secure key moves, including acquiring and retaining Kelsey Plum and facilitating the return of franchise cornerstone Nneka Ogwumike. However, her most scrutinized move came in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Rickea Jackson to Chicago for Ariel Atkins. While Atkins has proven to be a strong addition, the trade drew criticism given Jackson’s youth and upside.

Despite the front-office shake-up, Roberts said the team’s focus remains unchanged, with a playoff push still the priority.

The Sparks now head out on a four-game road trip against the Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky, and Dallas Wings before returning home to face the Phoenix Mercury on July 22.