The Sparks Are Making Moves: A New Era Takes Shape in Los Angeles
A franchise transforming in real time
The Los Angeles Sparks have spent 2026 free agency the way a team with something to prove should aggressively adding proven talent while a roster shakeup reshapes the franchise from top to bottom. After missing the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the moves being made this week signal a team done rebuilding and ready to compete.
Her Game Network covers the Sparks, and we’ve been tracking every move. Here’s where things stand.
Nneka Ogwumike is coming home
This is the headline. Ten-time WNBA All-Star and former MVP Nneka Ogwumike is returning to the Sparks after two seasons with the Seattle Storm. Ogwumike was drafted by Los Angeles in 2012 and spent her first 12 seasons with the franchise including leading them to the 2016 WNBA championship. She averaged 18.3 points last season and received down-ballot MVP votes at 35 years old. Her return is a statement of intent and one of the best stories of this entire free agency period.
Kelsey Plum: the cornerstone stays
The Sparks cored Kelsey Plum, keeping one of the most lethal offensive guards in the league in Los Angeles. Plum averaged 19.5 points per game last season and shot 89.3 percent from the free-throw line. Pairing her with Ogwumike gives the Sparks a legitimate one-two punch they haven’t had in years.
Ariel Atkins incoming, Rickea Jackson heading to Chicago
The Sparks are finalizing a trade to send Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Ariel Atkins. Jackson averaged 14.7 points per game for LA last season, but the front office is betting that Atkins a five-time All-Defensive team selection and 2019 WNBA champion is the better fit alongside Plum and Ogwumike. Atkins brings perimeter defense, shooting range, and championship experience. It’s a win-now move for a team that believes this roster is ready to compete.
Cameron Brink: the future is healthy
After missing most of last season with an ACL injury, Cameron Brink returns as the centerpiece of this team’s future. A healthy Brink alongside Ogwumike and Plum gives Los Angeles one of the most intriguing rosters they’ve had since their championship years.
The departures
Not everything is staying the same. Azura Stevens confirmed on Instagram that she is leaving the Sparks after three seasons. Stevens had a career year in 2025 12.8 points, 8 rebounds, shooting 38 percent from three and will have plenty of suitors. Dearica Hamby has also indicated she is moving on, removing the Sparks from her social media bio. Both departures create frontcourt questions, but the additions of Ogwumike and Atkins suggest the front office has a clear plan.
What it means
The Sparks aren’t the same team that missed the playoffs five straight years. Nneka Ogwumike’s homecoming, Kelsey Plum locked in, Ariel Atkins on the way, and Cameron Brink this is a playoff conversation roster. Her Game Network will be courtside to cover every step of it.