The Los Angeles Sparks have fired head coach Lynne Roberts, the team announced on Friday, after a season that saw the franchise miss the WNBA playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The decision comes on the heels of the Sparks' final game of the season, a narrow 76-75 loss to Golden State on Thursday night, which cemented their 16-28 record for the current year.
Roberts, who took the helm for two seasons, concluded her tenure with an overall record of 36 wins and 49 losses. The Sparks have not advanced to the WNBA playoffs since the 2020 season, a significant departure for a team that has historically been a contender, boasting three WNBA titles won in 2001, 2002, and 2016.
Farhan Zaidi, Special Adviser for the Sparks, confirmed the coaching change in a statement posted on social media. Zaidi expressed gratitude for Roberts’ contributions to the team during her time in Los Angeles. “We are grateful to Lynne for the commitment and determination she brought to the role, which was evident all the way through our last game last night,” Zaidi’s statement read, acknowledging Roberts’ dedication. He also highlighted her impact on the players, adding that she “cared deeply about our organization and for our players and their development.” Zaidi concluded by thanking her for her investment in the Sparks and extending well wishes to her and her family for the future.
Before her time in the WNBA, Roberts had a lengthy and varied career in collegiate basketball. She most recently coached the Utah Utes women’s basketball team, a position she held from 2015 through 2024. During her tenure with the Utes, Roberts successfully guided the team to three appearances in the NCAA tournament, a notable achievement for the program.
Her coaching journey began earlier, with roles that built up to her success at Utah. Roberts served as an assistant coach for her alma mater, Seattle Pacific University. Following that, she took on head coaching positions at Chico State and the University of the Pacific, gaining experience and building her resume before making the move to the Utes program. Her move to the Sparks in 2022 marked her first foray into professional basketball coaching.
The Sparks now face the task of finding a new coach as they look to turn the page on a challenging period and return to the competitive form that once made them a dominant force in the WNBA. The organization's history, marked by championship victories and a strong local fan base, sets a high bar for future leadership, especially after missing the postseason for the past four seasons.