The Los Angeles Sparks have hired Lynne Roberts to be the franchise’s next head coach, with star forward Cameron Brink seemingly approving of the move.

The organization announced it hired the former head coach of Utah and the winner of the 2023 Pac-12 Coach of the Year award on Tuesday. As the coach of the Utes, Roberts helped lead the university to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.

Once it was clear Roberts would be the one to lead the Sparks to a new era, Brink made her feelings about the hiring known on social media. On her Instagram story, Brink posted a welcoming message of appreciation now that she was being coached by someone she battled while at Stanford.

“Played against coach for 4 years at Stanford!” Brink posted. “Can’t wait to play for her now.” Along with her message, Brink commented purple and gold hearts on the Sparks’ announcement post on Instagram, showing her excitement to play under Roberts.

At Utah, Roberts helped lead the Utes to the Sweet 16 in 2023 and won the Pac-12 regular season championship that season. The 49-year-old California native also was a main component in Utah’s incredible offensive efficiency over the last three seasons.

Utah led the country in field goal attempts from beyond the arc and at the rim, was second in overall offensive rating and third in effective field goal percentage. Her teams also embraced the 3-point revolution, with her teams ranking fifth among all schools in 3-pointers made in the last three seasons.

Head coach Lynne Roberts of the Utah Utes reacts during the first quarter against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at McCarthey Athletic Center on March 25, 2024 in Spokane, Washington

Lynne Roberts is the Los Angeles Sparks’ next head coach, tasked with rebuilding the team with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft ( 

Image:

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Furthermore, 95 percent of Utah’s shots last year were either from 3-point land, at the rim, or in the paint, completely eschewing the mid-range. After the news was announced, Roberts declared she was “honored” to have the opportunity to coach the Sparks.

“From conversations with Eric Holoman and Reagan Pebley, it is evident that we share a like-minded commitment toward creating a winning culture and team,” her statement read. “The Sparks have a talented roster with tremendous upside, and we will compete tirelessly for WNBA championships.

“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.”

Now in Los Angeles, Roberts will be tasked with building around the Sparks’ two talented rookies, Brink and Rickea Jackson, after the organization fired Curt Miller – who amassed a 25-55 record in his two seasons at the helm. Additionally, Roberts’ hiring makes it easier for the Sparks to know which player it wants to draft after missing out on the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes.

Coming into the 2025 WNBA Draft lottery, the Sparks had the best chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick because of their record in the last two seasons. However, the Dallas Wings won the lottery, seemingly giving Miller – who was hired as the general manager and executive vice president shortly after being fired by Los Angeles – the right to select Bueckers.

The Sparks will have the second overall pick in the draft instead. Kiki Iriafen is most likely to be picked at No. 2, with the star forward potentially being paired with Brink – her former teammate at Stanford – to create a devastating frontcourt combination next season.