The Los Angeles Sparks have officially announced their new head coach.

The team has selected Lynne Roberts, who was previously the head coach for the Utah women’s basketball team. She takes over the role from Curt Miller, who parted ways with the team in September after achieving a 25–55 record over two years.

“I am truly honored to be chosen as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks,” Roberts expressed in a statement released on Tuesday. “This team has an impressive roster with great potential, and we will strive diligently to win WNBA championships. I firmly believe that Los Angeles can be the leading market in the WNBA, and I am excited to collaborate with our players and the front office to make that a reality.”

Roberts has an extensive background in women’s collegiate basketball coaching, with over ten years of experience. Her last nine seasons were with Utah, where she led the Utes to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 outing in 2023. That year, she was honored as the Pac-12 Coach of the Year. She has also held head coaching positions at Chico State (2002-06) and Pacific (2006-15), amassing a career record of 383-290.

“Lynne is an exceptional coach and a great leader,” said Sparks Governor and Managing Partner Eric Holoman in a statement. “We are excited to bring her wealth of winning coaching experience to our organization. Through an extensive global search, Lynne’s contemporary approach to basketball, her communication abilities, and her talent for building relationships made her the ideal candidate for this position.”

The Sparks are counting on Roberts to help the team return to the playoffs. The last time they clinched a WNBA title was in 2016, and they have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons, with a poor record of 38-78.

The Sparks hold the No. 2 draft pick for the 2025 WNBA draft. In the previous draft, they selected Cameron Brink (Stanford) with the No. 2 pick and WNBA All-Rookie Rickea Jackson (Tennessee) as the No. 4 pick. Although Brink suffered a torn ACL in June, she is expected to be ready for the 2025 season.