The Los Angeles Sparks made a statement in the 2025 WNBA Draft—not just about their roster needs, but about the identity they are doubling down on. With three key picks, the Sparks zeroed in on players who represent more than athleticism or stat sheets. They drafted individuals who embody a mindset. A culture. A future.
General Manager Raegan Pebley and new head coach Lynne Roberts are in full alignment about what they are building: a foundation rooted in competitiveness, accountability, and character. That vision came through clearly on draft night as the Sparks selected Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama), Sania Feagin (South Carolina), and Liatu King (Notre Dame)—a trio of high-IQ, high-character players with deep ties to winning programs.
“The eye test is a huge part of what [Roberts] brings to the table,” Pebley said. “We follow a model here—the eyes, ears, and numbers. We are staying consistent with that. The ‘eyes’ are about what you see on the floor, the ‘ears’ are about culture—who they are when nobody’s watching—and then the numbers confirm what we already know.”
Each pick told a story. Barker, a gritty two-way guard from Alabama, is known for her defensive intensity, versatility, and leadership. She leaves the SEC with a reputation as one of the toughest perimeter defenders in the country. Sania Feagin, a 6’3” forward and two-time NCAA champion with South Carolina, brings size, agility, and championship pedigree. Liatu King, a dynamic wing from Notre Dame, adds scoring punch and rebounding, but perhaps most importantly, she brings the work ethic that has become a trademark of the Fighting Irish.
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Pebley said she and her staff did not just evaluate players—they evaluated environments.
“We wanted to know how these women were coached and what they were influenced by,” Pebley said. “That’s why we talked to their coaches. Coaches like Dawn Staley and Niele Ivey didn’t just tell us about skills—they told us about character. They told us these players are coachable, hungry, and selfless. That mattered.”
As Roberts enters her first season with the Sparks, this draft was her first opportunity to set the tone.
“We want players who are willing to put in the work,” Roberts said. “From top to bottom—from our president and ownership to the assistant coaches and player development staff—we all value culture. It’s not just what they can do on the court. It’s how they operate. We’re building something special, and that means bringing in players who are fully bought into that mission.”
The Sparks emphasize “3-and-D” talent—players who can space the floor and defend multiple positions. But equally important was finding players who bring intangible value. Pebley called this draft class “a culture draft.”
“It’s a culture fit across the board,” she said. “We feel confident that these three are exactly the type of players we want to grow with. They’re serious about their craft, they know how to win, and they’re not afraid of doing the dirty work.”
For the Sparks, this draft signals a long-term plan. After a transitional 2024 season, the franchise is resetting with purpose. The team has made it clear they are not chasing short-term fixes—they are building a winning identity from the inside out.
“This isn’t just about one season,” Roberts said. “It’s about creating habits, building trust, and surrounding ourselves with people who elevate the standard. That’s what we’re doing here.”
As the Sparks prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on how this rookie class blends with the veterans. But if this draft is any indication, the Sparks did not just add three players—they added pieces to a puzzle that is finally starting to take shape.
And in a league where culture can be the deciding factor between good and great, the Sparks may have just taken a giant step toward greatness.
