The Los Angeles Sparks are ready to move on from the Lynne Roberts era.
Roberts, 51, was hired by the Sparks in November of 2024. Although she only went 21-23 in her first season, Los Angeles was hopeful she’d take that next step in 2026. Instead, her squad finished this season with a 16-28 record.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Sparks dismissed Roberts this Friday morning after failing to reach the playoffs for the second season in a row. This decision was made less than 24 hours after she lost the season finale to the Golden State Valkyries.
Prior to Thursday’s season finale, Roberts was asked about her tenure in Los Angeles. She mentioned the injuries and leadership change she dealt with over the past two years.
“I think we’ve had two tough years of injuries, and I’m not trying to blame anything on that, it’s just the reality,” Roberts said. “There has been a lot of change. Our president’s been here … four months. So just again, so much change.
Jon Endow-Imagn Images.
What’s next for Lynne Roberts?
Perhaps we’ll see Roberts return to coaching women’s college basketball. She had stints with Chico State, Pacific and Utah prior to taking her talents to the WNBA.
Roberts had an excellent run at Utah from 2015-2024, winning 165 games and earning Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2023.
As for the Sparks, it’s fair to say they’re entering another rebuild.
