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<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-179212 " src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-10-at-3.02.51-PM-1024x343.png" alt="" width="692" height="232" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-10-at-3.02.51-PM-1024x343.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-10-at-3.02.51-PM-300x101.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-10-at-3.02.51-PM-768x257.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2023/07/Screen-Shot-2023-07-10-at-3.02.51-PM.png 1366w" sizes="(max-width: 692px) 100vw, 692px" /> 
&#8211; Fan Festival To Be Held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center as Part of AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star 2023-  
– WNBA Live Presented by U.S. Bank to Feature Viewing Parties, Fan Skills Competitions, Merchandise, Youth Basketball Clinics &amp; More –
NEW YORK, July 10, 2023 – WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank, returns to WNBA All-Star, when the two-day fan festival, which will celebrate the intersection of the WNBA, fashion, music, and culture, takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas beginning on Friday, July 14 at 12 p.m. PT through Saturday, July 15 at 8 p.m. PT. The event will lead up to the 2023 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game, which will be held at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Saturday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m. PT (8:30 p.m. EST).
WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank will allow fans for the second straight year to experience the game of basketball through a celebration of basketball culture, featuring interactive events including meet-and-greets with the WNBA’s biggest stars, live panels, trivia, personalized WNBA merchandise, fan skills challenges, and viewing parties.
WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank and the AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star 2023 are just two All-Star events taking place over the course of three days in Las Vegas, home of the defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces, as 15 WNBA partners and licensees will help celebrate at the league’s midseason showcase.
The following is a detailed schedule of AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star 2023 events:
Thursday, July 13
<ul>
<li>STEM Learning Experience x Microsoft (Donald W. Reynolds Boys &amp; Girls Club of Southern Nevada, 2980 Robindale Rd, Henderson, NV; 2980 Robindale Rd, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT) – The WNBA, Microsoft, and 4th Family will host a STEM learning experience, where middle school-aged youth will be introduced to the tools and techniques used by sport-scientists to evaluate athletic performance. The event will consist of stations designed to measure specific basketball attributes – strength, speed, quickness, agility, explosiveness, and skill – using STEM equipment and Microsoft tablets.</li>
</ul>
Friday, July 14
<ul>
<li>The Sports Bra x WNBA (Mandalay Bay, Bayside F, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd; 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. PT) – This event marks the first-ever exclusive meeting and hospitality space for corporate partners and invited guests. The Sports Bra, a Portland-based bar founded by Jenny Nguyen, is a unique bar that only shows women’s sports on their screens. The space will offer a premier meeting place for guests at All-Star to meet and network with likeminded industry executives, many of whom will be participating in The BIG Summit x WNBA on Saturday.</li>
</ul>
The Sports Bra x WNBA Event will also offer:
<ul>
<li>Behaviors and Basketball: Understanding the Fans of the WNBA presented by SAP – This interactive display will showcase WNBA fan data and uses SAP’s powered suite of products to explore key behaviors that can unlock better way to connect with WNBA fans.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The BIG Summit x WNBA – Business Inside the Game (B.I.G.), a platform founded by Baron Davis for entrepreneurs, investors and disruptors in sports, media, technology, business, and culture to create opportunities, connections and collaborate will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, July 15. Invitation required.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game 2023 Watch Party – On game day, beginning at tip-off (5:30 p.m. PT) fans not attending the game can come to socialize as they watch the league’s stars compete in the midseason classic, located at The Sports Bra x WNBA space.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Live Presented by U.S. Bank (Mandalay Bay, Bayside Hall F; 12 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT) – For the second year in a row, WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank is headed to WNBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas. Fans will have the opportunity to experience the intersection of sport, entertainment, and culture. Open to the general public, attendees can register beforehand using the following link or will be able to register upon entry: <a href="https://www.wnba.com/allstar/wnbalive/register">https://www.wnba.com/allstar/wnbalive/register</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>CarMax Fireside Chat with Candace Parker, Sue Bird, and Ari Chambers at WNBA Live (Mandalay Bay, Bayside F, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. PT) – CarMax, the newest corporate partner addition as a WNBA Changemaker, will host a fireside chat with Candace Parker and Sue Bird on the WNBA Live Court to bring CarMax’s Legends One-on-One social series to life in-person. Open to the public, the conversation, facilitated by Ari Chambers, will focus on Candace and Sue’s personal and professional journey on and off-the-court, including how they built their brands and became household names. </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Her Time to Play x AT&amp;T (Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N J St, Las Vegas, NV; 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT) – The WNBA and AT&amp;T will host a Her Time To Play event focused on continuing the WNBA’s commitment to female empowerment through sports. The clinic, featuring close to 200 young women, will include a panel discussion with WNBA talent, a youth basketball clinic focused on basketball fundamentals, and off-court sessions focused on mental wellness and goal setting. As part of the event, AT&amp;T will be donating new HP Chromebooks to all participants. An invite is required.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Live Youth Basketball Clinic (Center Court at WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT) – The Jr. NBA will host a youth basketball clinic focused on the basketball fundamentals as part of WNBA Live. Open to the public, the clinic will consist of roughly 50 boys and girls, ages 6-14, in the Las Vegas market, and the clinic coaches will consist of the 20 domestic Jr. WNBA/NBA Showcase participants, comprised of 10 boys and 10 girls. 
 </li>
<li>Orange Carpet presented by STARRY® (Delano Hotel; 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT) – WNBA players are known to be some of the most innovative and fashion-forward professional athletes, using fashion to express themselves in their pre-game. The Orange Carpet presented by STARRY is a space for these All-Stars to showcase their fashion sense and personality, with photo ops and media present. (Event is not open to the public.)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA and NBA x State Farm Assist Tracker Legacy Project Dedication (Grant Sawyer Middle School) &#8212; As part of the NBA and WNBA Assist Tracker Programs, the WNBA, NBA, State Farm and Heart of America will dedicate a new STEM learning center and mindfulness room at Grant Sawyer Middle School (5450 Redwood St, Las Vegas, NV) in Las Vegas in celebration of WNBA All-Star and NBA Summer League. This hour-long event will include an informal press ceremony celebrating the newly renovated spaces, followed by engaging youth and members of the WNBA/NBA Family in activities in the newly renovated STEM Lab and mindfulness room.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Shoot Your Competition Shot on the STARRY Court – WNBA players will go head-to-head for bragging rights in WNBA trivia, 3-Point contests for the daily chance to win $33,333 and other games, presented by STARRY. Fans can take photos and obtain autographs. Event is open to the public on Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA on ION Player Meet-and-Greet – WNBA on ION (Center Court, will facilitate a meet-and-greet on Friday afternoon at WNBA Live. The meet-and-greet, taking place at Center Court, located in the center of WNBA Live will allow fans to spend time with some of their favorite players including All Stars Ezi Magbegor and Cheyenne Parker on Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Saturday, July 15 
<ul>
<li>The BIG Summit at the Sports Bra x WNBA (Mandalay Bay, Bayside F; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PT) – Description above under Sports Bra programming. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast presented by Sportradar. Invitation required event. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>WNBA Live Presented by U.S. Bank (Mandalay Bay, Bayside F; Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15, 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. PT) – WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank heads into Day 2. Registration is encouraged at the following <a href="https://www.wnba.com/allstar/wnbalive/register">link</a>. It is also available on site. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Deloitte Player Meet and Greet (Center Court at WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank; 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. PT) – WNBA Changemaker Deloitte, designers of the rebuilt WNBA App and WNBA.com, will host a meet and greet with WNBA stars Jasmine Thomas and Izzy Harrison.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>State Farm Assist Tracker- In-Game (Michelob Ultra Arena; 5:30 p.m. PT) – For the first season, the WNBA and State Farm are coming together to turn on-court assists into off-court assists in communities around the country. For every assist made during the WNBA All-Star Game, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $1,900 to Heart of America.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game 2023 Watch Party (Michelob Ultra Arena, Bayside F; 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT) – A place for WNBA fans to come together and cheer on their favorite players.</li>
</ul>
*Doors open at 4 p.m. PT. Ticketed event.
 
Partner Activations Taking Place During WNBA Live Presented by U.S. Bank:
<ul>
<li>WNBA Changemaker AT&amp;T – WNBA Changemaker AT&amp;T is creating a tech-focused space for fans that will enable them to engage with Player Stations inspired by A’ja Wilson and Arike Ogunbowale, and a robotic nail bar with W-themed designs.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The American Express WNBA All-Star Experience – American Express’ experience will consist of an interactive half-court challenge with prizing, a locker-room themed lounge space featuring All-Star player jerseys, talent appearances including Sabrina Ionescu, and a special exclusive for American Express Card Members and their guests. In collaboration with Rank &amp; Rally, Amex will also offer Card Members a 10% discount on purchases using an Amex Card at participating WNBA retail locations on-site throughout both days of WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank, WNBA All-Star Friday Night, and the AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game. For terms/details, visit <a href="https://www.wnba.com/ticket-terms-of-conditions">https://www.wnba.com/ticket-terms-of-conditions</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Shoot Your Shot on the STARRY Court – WNBA players will go head-to-head for bragging rights in WNBA trivia, 3-Point contests and other games, presented by STARRY. Fans can take photos and obtain autographs.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>STARRY Style Lounge – Fans will have the chance to view WNBA All-Star A’ja Wilson’s footwear and participate in games to win custom merchandise, take photos at a branded photo booth and sample STARRY products.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Kia WNBA Skills Challenge at W Live – Fans will have the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills in a 30-second passing, dribbling, and shooting competition to win prizes. The activation’s footprint will be powered by the all-electric Kia EV6.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Changemaker U.S. Bank has an activation featuring a merchandise customization station, multiple immersive photo ops and fun financial trivia. Also, U.S. Bank will host meet and greets with endorser and WNBA 3x All Star Napheesa Collier, WNBA All Star Aliyah Boston and WNBA 2x All Star Satou Sabally. Endorser Jess Sims will be hosting The U.S. Bank Brick or Bucket Challenge, a finance-focused trivia game at the Queen’s Court.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Mielle On-Site – Mielle, the leading black-founded and women-led beauty brand, will host an engaging on-site activation, in which they will provide samples of their haircare products. WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes will be joining WNBA stars Izzy Harrison and Kahleah Cooper of the Chicago Sky along with Didi Richards for a meet-and-greet for fans on Friday and Saturday.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Creator’s Court – WNBA Live attendees can create custom merchandise at the WNBA Creator’s Court product customization station.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>New Era Cap Customization – Long-time WNBA partner New Era will be tailoring New Era caps for WNBA fans for the perfect fit.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Changemaker Nike is creating an interactive experience tea garden style that features customization of footwear and apparel, live programming featuring WNBA players and tasty beverages and treats.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>WNBA Changemaker Google – WNBA Changemaker Google will be opening Google House, where fans can utilize the features of Google Pixel phones and Google Search to engage with different W-themed activations in the food, tech, art, and fashion spaces.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>DICK’s Sporting Goods – The sporting goods retail leader will host meet-and-greets with WNBA players and display limited edition merchandise.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Wilson at WNBA Live – Wilson will set up a retail pop-up outlet within WNBA Live presented by U.S. Bank that will showcase their breadth and depth of WNBA basketballs. Within this experience, Wilson will also have player appearances throughout the weekend including its newest Advisory Staff members, Kahleah Copper of the Chicago Sky and Azura Stevens of the Los Angeles Sparks, stopping by for meet-and-greets with fans.</li>
</ul>
Other AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Activities 
Friday, July 14
<ul>
<li>Kia Skills Challenge and STARRY 3-Point Competition (Michelob Ultra Arena; 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. PT). Doors open at 12:00 p.m. PT. </li>
</ul>
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 77,000 employees and $682 billion in assets as of March 31, 2023, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. The Minneapolis-based company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses: Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; Corporate &amp; Commercial Banking; and Wealth Management and Investment Services. Union Bank, consisting primarily of retail banking branches on the West Coast, joined U.S. Bancorp in 2022. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies. Learn more at <a href="http://usbank.com/about">usbank.com/about</a>. 
About the WNBA
The WNBA, which tipped off its 27th season on May 19, is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content, and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.
In 2020, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for women’s basketball – and women’s sports overall – with a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete. Key elements of the agreement are supported through the league’s partnership platform, WNBA Changemakers, with AT&amp;T, the WNBA’s Marquee Partner and inaugural Changemaker, as well as fellow inaugural Changemakers Deloitte and NIKE, Inc, and subsequent additions Google, U.S. Bank, and CarMax. During the 2020 season, the WNBA and WNBPA launched the WNBA Justice Movement forming the Social Justice Council with the mission of being a driving force of necessary change and continuing conversations about race and voting rights, among other important societal issues.

wnba-live-returns-for-second-year

WNBA Live Presented by U.S. Bank Returns to AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star For Second Year

<figure class="wp-image size-full">
					<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/parker-sparks-1440-200715.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image- size-full"/> 
				</figure>
The 2020 WNBA season is set to be the most unique in the league’s 24-year history. Teams have arrived at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL to begin training camp for a 22-game season with all games played at a single site without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bubble is ready and the season is set to tip off on Saturday, July 25. In the lead up to the season, <a href="https://www.wnba.com/2020-team-by-team-season-previews/">WNBA.com will break down each team in the league</a>, continuing with the Los Angeles Sparks.
<h3>2019 Season Recap</h3>
<ul>
<li>22-12, 1st in West, 3rd in League</li>
<li>Eliminated in playoff semifinals by Connecticut (3-0)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Off-Season Moves</h3>
<ul>
<li>Draft: No. 20 Beatrice Mompreimer, who has been waived; No. 22 Leonie Fiebich, who will not play in the WNBA this season; No. 34 Tynice Martin, who has been waived</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Trades: Acquired Kristine Anigwe and a 2021 third round pick from Dallas and sent back the 2021 second round pick LA received from Dallas in exchange for Marina Mabrey in a previous transaction; Acquired Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich from Atlanta in exchange for Kalani Brown</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Players Added: Signed Kristi Toliver, Seimone Augustus, Reshanda Gray and Te&#8217;a Cooper as free agents</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_126966" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126966" class="wp-image-126966 size-large" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/GettyImages-1227122881-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Te&#8217;a Cooper #4 of the Los Angeles Sparks smiles during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
</div>
<ul>
<li>Players Lost: Alana Beard retired; Alexis Jones waived; Chiney Ogwumike, Kristi Toliver and Maria Vadeeva have opted out of the 2020 WNBA season</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Returning Players: Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Riquna Williams still under Te&#8217;aOcontract; Re-signed Chelsea Gray, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Sydney Wiese; Exercised Team Option for Maria Vadeeva</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who&#8217;s at IMG Academy</h3>
Between free agency, trades, the draft and players choosing not to participate in the season due to health concerns, the teams that take the court in 2020 may look a lot different than they did in 2019. Here’s a look at some of the key players that will represent the Sparks in 2020.
Candace Parker
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 22 GP, 26.0 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 42.2 FG%, 26.7 3P%</li>
<li>Parker missed a dozen games last season due to injury and averaged career lows nearly across the board, with her scoring average (11.2 PPG) well below her career average of 17.0. The two-time league MVP must be healthy for the Sparks to stay in championship contention.</li>
</ul>
Nneka Ogwumike 
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 32 GP, 27.9 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG. 51.0 FG%, 33.8 3P%</li>
<li>Ogwumike earned All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2019 as she ranked ninth in the league in scoring, fourth in rebounding and fifth in steals. She followed that up with another strong effort as president of the player’s association and the <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-and-wnbpa-reach-tentative-agreement-on-groundbreaking-eight-year-collective-bargaining-agreement/">new collective bargaining agreement</a> with the league.</li>
</ul>
Chelsea Gray
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 34 GP, 32.6 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 41.6 FG%, 38.2 3P%</li>
<li>Gray earned her first All-WNBA First Team honor in 2019 as she ranked second in the league in assists and tied for 13th in scoring. The Point Gawd strikes a great balance of setting up her teammates and calling her own shot – <a href="https://go.nba.com/khs1">particularly in clutch situations</a>.</li>
</ul>
Seimone Augustus
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Lynx): 12 GP, 13.0 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 31.3 FG%, 16.7 3P%</li>
<li>Seeing Seimone Augustus in anything other than a Lynx jersey is going to take some getting used to. The 14-year veteran is the 11th leading scorer in WNBA history (5,881 points) and while 2019 was a difficult year due to injury, a healthy Augustus adds depth and championship experience to the roster.</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_126967" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126967" class="wp-image-126967 size-large" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/GettyImages-1227122863-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
</div>
Riquna Williams
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 23 GP, 25.8 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PM, 38.4 FG%, 39.1 3P%</li>
<li>Williams had her most productive season since joining the Sparks in 2017 as she finished third on the team in scoring and second in the league in 3-pointers made per game (2.3) and <a href="https://go.nba.com/mx5a">eighth in 3-point percentage</a>(39.1%).</li>
</ul>
Brittney Sykes
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Dream): 34 GP, 25.9 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 36.5 FG%, 25.9 3P%</li>
<li>Sykes joins the Sparks after spending the first three seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream. She brings athleticism and a defensive mindset that should help the Sparks fill the void left by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard, who retired after the 2019 season.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Three Questions</h3>
1. Will L.A.’s experienced core carry them in the shortened season?
While many teams across the WNBA are adding significant new pieces to their roster, the core of the Sparks squad is essentially intact from a season ago, led by the trio of Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Gray. This will also be the second season under head coach Derek Fisher as he now as a full season of WNBA experience under his belt heading into 2020. Developing chemistry quickly is important, particularly in a shortened season, and the Sparks may have a leg up on the competition with so many returning pieces.
2. Can the Sparks overcome the absences of Chiney Ogwumike and Toliver?
There are two key members of the Sparks that have elected not to play in 2020 – Chiney Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver. Ogwumike reunited with her older sister Nneka in 2019 when she joined the Sparks after spending the first five years of her career in Connecticut. After missing two full seasons due to injuries (knee and Achilles), Ogwumike and Sparks decided to err on the side of caution with the compacted schedule.
Toliver signed as a free agent to return to the Sparks after spending the past three seasons in Washington, where she helped the Mystics win their first WNBA title in 2019. She was set to return to L.A. – where she helped the Sparks win the 2016 title – but that reunion will have to wait until 2021. The Sparks are still loaded with talent, but the fact is they will not have a pair of All-Stars on their roster this year. While that does open the door for others to step up, it could hurt their overall depth.
3. Will depth become an issue if the injury bug hits?
Health is paramount for all teams that hope to contend for the championship in any season. That importance is heightened in such a unique season as 2020 will be with only a 22-game schedule to earn a playoff berth and position.
Both Parker and Augustus missed double-digit games last season due to injury – a repeat of that could be devastating to L.A.’s championship aspirations. How ready are young players such as Kristine Anigwe, Marie Gülich, Reshanda Gray and Te’a Cooper to play major minutes if needed? One or more of those less-established players may need to have a breakout season for the Sparks to compete for the title this season.

2020-wnba-team-preview-los-angeles-sparks

2020 WNBA Team Preview: Los Angeles Sparks

Latest

Maria Kliundikova

Career Highlights:
<ul>
<li>No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft (Los Angeles)</li>
<li>Career-high 24 points in the Sparks season opener at Las Vegas on May 26, 2019</li>
<li>Career-high 11 field goals made at Las Vegas on May 26, 2019</li>
<li>2019 Euroleague Champion with UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia)</li>
</ul>
Transactions: 
<ul>
<li>Selected by the Los Angeles Sparks in the first round with the 11th overall pick of 2018 WNBA Draft</li>
</ul>
2021 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Vadeeva did not play in the 2021 WNBA season</li>
</ul>
2020 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Opted out of the 2020 WNBA season</li>
</ul>
2019 (Los Angeles): 
<ul>
<li>Scored a career-high 24 points in the Sparks season opener at Las Vegas on May 26, 2019</li>
<li>Career-high 11 field goals made at Las Vegas on May 26, 2019</li>
<li>Returned to Russia to play with her team, missing 13 Sparks games for overseas commitments</li>
<li>Averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and one steal in 12 minutes per game</li>
</ul>
2018 (Los Angeles):
<ul>
<li>Appeared in 25 games for the Los Angeles Sparks during her rookie campaign joining the team in June after getting her visa</li>
<li>Shooting 52.7% from the field and shot a promising 33.3% on 3-pointers.</li>
<li>Career game against Phoenix Mercury on August 12th scoring a season and career-high 16 points</li>
</ul>
Russia:
<ul>
<li>Vadeeva made her international debut at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Bulgaria, where Russia placed sixth</li>
<li>Vadeeva once again participated, returning to the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Hungary, where Russia won the title, taking home their fifth Under-16 Championship</li>
<li>Vadeeva was then named to the national team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in her home nation and placed on the All-Tournament Team</li>
<li>Made her senior international debut at EuroBasket Women 2015, at just the age of 16</li>
<li>In her debut tournament, Vadeeva averaged 12.3 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game</li>
<li>Named to Russia’s roster, for EuroBasket Women 2017 in the Czech Republic.</li>
<li>From 2017-2020, Vadeeva has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia), competing in EuroLeague alongside WNBA stars Courtney Vandersloot, Brittney Griner and Kayla McBride</li>
</ul>
Overseas:
<ul>
<li>From 2017-2020, Vadeeva has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia), competing in EuroLeague alongside WNBA stars Courtney Vandersloot, Brittney Griner and Kayla McBride</li>
<li> In 2014, Vadeeva began her professional career with Sparta&amp;K Moscow, playing in the</li>
<li>Russian Premier League and the EuroCup</li>
<li>In 2016, Vadeeva moved south and signed with Dynamo Kursk, still playing in the Premier League as well as the EuroLeague. In the 2016–17 season, Dynamo Kursk took home the title</li>
<li>Played alongside the likes of Nneka Ogwumike, Angel McCoughtry and Epiphanny Prince</li>
</ul>
Personal: 
<ul>
<li>Maria Vadeeva (born July 16, 1998) is a center for the Los Angeles Sparks.</li>
<li>She is a native of Russia and has a brother named Ivan</li>
</ul>

LatestMaria Kliundikova