Los Angeles Sparks hire former Philadelphia 76ers executive Ariana Andonian

The Los Angeles Sparks are hiring Philadelphia 76ers vice president of player personnel Ariana Andonian to serve as the organization's new general manager. Andonian replaces Raegan Pebley, who left the franchise in July after two and a half years. The search process was led by Farhan Zaidi, a special advisor to owner Mark Walter. The Sparks have missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and recently underwent a front-office expansion to bolster basketball operations. Andonian will oversee the roster, which currently retains only two first-round picks, Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell, from recent years. She also faces a decision regarding the tenure of head coach Lynne Roberts, who has compiled a 36-48 record over two seasons.

• 1:22 AMESPN — Sparks hiring Sixers exec Andonian as new GM
• 12:19 AMYahoo Sports — From the NBA to the WNBA: Ariana Andonian takes over as the Sparks’ GM
• 11:02 PMYahoo Sports — Sparks name Ariana Andonian as new General Manager
• 8:40 PMYahoo Sports — Los Angeles Sparks to name 76ers executive Ariana Andonian as new GM
• 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — L.A. Sparks to hire former 76ers executive Ariana Andonian as new GM: Sources