L.A. Sparks Commit to Background Checks for Male Practice Squad

The Los Angeles Sparks have announced open tryouts for an all-male practice squad for the 2025 season, a common practice for women's teams to provide stronger competition. However, concerns were voiced by second-year player Cameron Brink regarding inappropriate comments made online about the tryouts, prompting the team to emphasize their commitment to player safety. In response to these concerns, the Sparks stated that all selected male practice players will undergo thorough background checks to ensure a safe environment for their athletes. Brink specifically expressed her discomfort with the attention, joking that she preferred the male players to be 'gay' to alleviate some concerns. The Sparks clarified that no current players will be involved in the tryout process, further underscoring their commitment to a respectful atmosphere. The use of male practice players dates back to the team's founding in 1997 and is a common practice in women's basketball.