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LA Sparks Announce Major Coaching Change Before New WNBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 1:53 PM ET

The Sparks are making moves before the 2025 WNBA season tips off.

On Thursday, the organization announced that three-time WNBA All-Star Danielle Robinson has been promoted to assistant coach.

Robinson, a 14-year league veteran, will continue to serve as the Sparks’ Manager of Basketball Integration — a role she first took on in January.

It’s a big step for Robinson, who’s no stranger to the grind of the league.

Her playing career stretched across six franchises with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever, and Atlanta Dream.

Danielle Robinson has been promoted to Sparks assistant coach.

https://t.co/OGSigZHQID pic.twitter.com/uwZ8gWYUS8
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) April 24, 2025

And now, she’ll get to apply that experience from the bench.

Robinson is also a product of the NBA/WNBA Future Basketball Operations Stars Program, which grooms former players for front-office and coaching careers.

Her promotion signals a growing commitment by the Sparks to invest in former players transitioning to leadership roles.

She replaces Nikki Blue, who departed this week to join the USC women’s basketball program as an assistant coach.

Blue spent time on the Sparks’ bench and was a key voice on last season’s staff.

Robinson’s hybrid role as assistant coach and manager of basketball integration gives her a wide scope to impact the team — both on the court and behind the scenes.

It’s a savvy move from a Sparks organization trying to reset its identity and get back to playoff contention.

The Sparks open their regular season on May 14 against the Golden State Valkryies Don’t be surprised if Robinson’s influence is felt early.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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