Sixers Executive Ariana Andonian Named L.A. Sparks’ GM

Sixers executive vice president of player personnel Ariana Andonian has been hired by the Los Angeles Sparks to be the WNBA team’s new general manager, the Sparks announced Friday in a press release.

Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic first reported the news.

Andonian was hired by Philadelphia in 2024 under the previous front office regime, which was led by former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. In addition to her NBA responsibilities, which included running the organization’s professional scouting group and co-leading extended scouting, Andonian also spent last season as GM of the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers’ G League affiliate.

“Ariana has distinguished herself throughout her career as an exceptional evaluator of talent and a thoughtful, forward-thinking basketball executive,” said Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman. “She has earned the respect of some of the best basketball minds in the game, but what stood out to us throughout this process was her vision for building a team and an organization.

“Ariana understands the importance of identifying talent, developing players and creating a culture that can sustain success. We are thrilled to welcome her home to Los Angeles to lead the next chapter of Sparks basketball.”

A Southern California native who earned her Bachelor’s degree from USC, Andonian is a veteran NBA executive who started her career with Houston in 2015. She received multiple promotions in her four seasons with the Rockets’ front office and was the only female scout in the NBA at the time she held that position.

The 31-year-old spent the 2019/20 season as a player personnel consultant for the men’s basketball program at Duke University, where she earned her MBA.

Andonian was hired by Memphis in 2024 and spent four seasons with the Grizzlies, with her last title being director of pro personnel. Andonian spearheaded the Grizzlies’ high school and international scouting efforts, per the release.

According to Merchant, Andonian is the third former NBA executive hired by the Sparks in the past year, with the others being Zach Knowlton (Kings) and Nate Nielsen (Cavaliers), who both are assistant GMs. Los Angeles will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season in 2026, Merchant adds.