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WNBA Sends Message to Cameron Brink After Return From 13-Month Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 12:34 AM ET

The WNBA is celebrating the return of Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink, who stepped back on the court this week after a 13-month battle to recover from a torn ACL.

On Instagram, the league posted photos of Brink’s first and second games back with the heartfelt caption, “So happy you’re back ❤️.”

The 23-year-old made her season debut on Tuesday against the Las Vegas Aces and followed it up with a second appearance Friday night against the Seattle Storm. For fans, teammates and the league, her return is more than just a roster move—it’s the revival of one of the sport’s most promising young stars.

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Second Game Back Brings Energy to Sparks’ Playoff Push

Brink first went down with her ACL injury in June 2024 during a matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Her rookie campaign, which showed flashes of defensive dominance, was cut short after just 15 games.

For more than a year, she endured rehab sessions, conditioning work and the mental grind of recovery. Tuesday’s comeback game against the Aces saw Brink play 13 minutes off the bench.

She posted three rebounds, one assist one steal, one block, and even knocked down a three-pointer, earning loud cheers from the Los Angeles crowd.

Two days later in Seattle, she showed even more impact. Despite foul trouble limiting her late-game minutes, Brink scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting, grabbed four rebounds and added two steals and three blocks in just under 12 minutes.

In the fourth quarter, she came alive, making three straight shots, including a three-pointer, and frustrating the Storm with her signature rim protection.

Her efforts helped the Sparks secure a thrilling 108-106 double-overtime win, moving them to 12-15 on the season. Every win matters now, as Los Angeles sits just 1.5 games behind the Aces for the final playoff spot.

Cameron Brink’s Comeback with Big Potential

The Sparks are easing Brink back into game action, limiting her minutes to help her regain conditioning and avoid re-injury. In her first two games back, she has averaged 6.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in just 13 minutes per contest.

Before her injury, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game as a rookie. Those numbers—and her role—are expected to grow as she finds her rhythm again.

With Los Angeles surging, having won seven of their last 10 games, Brink’s return could be a game-changer for the Sparks’ playoff chances.

As the Sparks push for a postseason berth, her journey back from injury will be one of the most inspiring storylines of the 2025 WNBA season.

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

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