Sparks hire Utah’s Lynne Roberts as new head coach

The Los Angeles Sparks have hired Utah women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts as their head coach, the team announced Tuesday.

Roberts replaces Curt Miller, whose two seasons in Los Angeles ended with a league-worst 8-32 campaign, as the Sparks failed to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

Roberts, the 2023 Pac-12 Coach of the Year, takes over a Sparks team that is led by All-Star Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson, as well as rookie Cameron Brink. They have the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

“The Sparks have a talented roster with tremendous upside, and we will compete tirelessly for WNBA championships,” Roberts said. “I believe Los Angeles should be the premier market in the WNBA, and I’m eager to partner with our players and front office to make this happen.”

Roberts leaves the Utes after nine seasons, including three consecutive NCAA tournament berths. She led Utah to the Sweet 16 and won the conference regular-season title in 2023.

“Lynne is an outstanding coach and leader,” Sparks governor and managing Partner Eric Holoman said. “We are thrilled to bring her decades of winning coaching experience to our organization. Through our comprehensive international search, Lynne’s modern view of basketball, her communication skills, and ability to build relationships made her the right choice for the role.”