Los Angeles Sparks hire Ariana Andonian as general manager

The Los Angeles Sparks are hiring Ariana Andonian as their new general manager. Andonian, who previously served as the vice president of player personnel for the Philadelphia 76ers, will replace Raegan Pebley, who departed the organization in July.

The search for a new leader was led by Farhan Zaidi, a special advisor to Sparks owner Mark Walter. This appointment marks the third time in the past year that the Sparks have recruited executives from the NBA, following the hires of assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen.

Andonian brings extensive experience from several NBA front offices, including seven years with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. She is tasked with revitalizing the legacy WNBA franchise following several seasons of missing the playoffs.