Ariana Andonian is taking over as the new general manager of the Los Angeles Sparks, crossing over from the NBA ranks to helm the WNBA franchise starting next month, according to the official team announcement on Friday. Andonian replaces Raegan Pebley, who was fired in mid-July after serving 2 1/2 years in the position, as the Sparks sit at a 15-25 record and face their sixth consecutive losing season.
Basketball Operations Background and Previous Roles
According to the team’s official release, Andonian brings over 10 years of experience in basketball operations, scouting, player personnel, and talent evaluation across the NBA and NBA G League. Prior to joining the Sparks, she served as general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats—the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers—while simultaneously working as the 76ers’ vice president of player personnel. In contrast to her predecessor Pebley, who had no previous executive experience, Andonian built her career across multiple prominent NBA organizations.
Her professional journey in basketball began with the Houston Rockets in 2015, where she spent four seasons working in basketball operations and scouting. During her tenure in Houston, she became the NBA’s only female scout at the time and eventually helped coordinate the team’s scouting group. In 2020, Andonian moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, spending four seasons with the franchise and advancing to director of player personnel, where she led high school and international scouting efforts. She joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024 to run their professional scouting group before taking on the Delaware Blue Coats general manager role.
Leadership Vision and Ownership Perspective
Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman praised the new hire in a statement, noting her extensive evaluation background. “Ariana has distinguished herself throughout her career as an exceptional evaluator of talent and a thoughtful, forward-thinking basketball executive,” Holoman said, adding that her vision for building a team and organization stood out during the hiring process. Before assuming her duties in Los Angeles, Andonian is scheduled to attend the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, according to franchise statements.
A California native and graduate of the University of Southern California, Andonian also holds an MBA from Duke University, where she worked as a player personnel consultant for the men’s basketball program alongside Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski and current head coach Jon Scheyer. Outlining her priorities for the franchise, Andonian stated that her goal is to build a culture of excellence centered around strong processes and player support. The Sparks franchise owns three WNBA championships, though none have been secured since 2016.
Pro Tip: Evaluating Front Office Transitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new general manager of the Los Angeles Sparks?
Ariana Andonian was named general manager of the Los Angeles Sparks, replacing Raegan Pebley.
What is Ariana Andonian’s background?
Andonian has spent over a decade in basketball operations, scouting, and player personnel across the NBA and NBA G League, including roles with the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Delaware Blue Coats.
When does Ariana Andonian officially start with the Sparks?
She will officially join the organization next month, following her attendance at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
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