WNBA · Western Conference · Los Angeles, California, US
Los Angeles Sparks
Three-time WNBA champions and the franchise that Lisa Leslie built, the Los Angeles Sparks brought Hollywood glamour to women's basketball and proved that a WNBA team could become a cultural institution in the entertainment capital of the world.
1997–2009
The Lisa Leslie Era
Back-to-back champions and a cultural icon
Lisa Leslie was the face of the Sparks from the franchise's founding, and her combination of dominance, elegance, and cultural presence made her one of the most important figures in WNBA history. The Sparks won back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002, establishing Los Angeles as a power in women's basketball. Leslie was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, adding to her already enormous cultural footprint.
Key Facts
- Won back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 and 2002
- Lisa Leslie was the franchise's defining icon
- Leslie became the first player to dunk in a WNBA game
- Established the Sparks as a cultural institution in Los Angeles
2016–Present
Parker's Championship and Beyond
A third title and the next chapter
Candace Parker, a Naperville, Illinois native who became a Los Angeles icon, led the Sparks to a third championship in 2016. Parker's versatility and basketball IQ made her the driving force behind the title run. After Parker's departure and the challenges of rebuilding, the Sparks are working to return to championship contention in the WNBA's most competitive era.
Key Facts
- Won a third WNBA Championship in 2016 behind Candace Parker
- Parker became one of the greatest players in franchise history
- Sparks have navigated rebuilding in the WNBA's most competitive era
- Crypto.com Arena provides a marquee venue for the franchise