The Los Angeles Sparks named Ariana Andonian their general manager Friday, nearly two months after firing Raegan Pebley about 2 1/2 years into her tenure.
Andonian joins the Sparks after serving as general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, while also serving as the 76ers’ vice president of player personnel.
She has more than a decade of experience in basketball operations, scouting, player personnel and talent evaluation in the NBA and NBA G League, according to the Sparks.
“Ariana has distinguished herself throughout her career as an exceptional evaluator of talent and a thoughtful, forward-thinking basketball executive,” Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman said in a statement.
“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.”
Andonian, a California native and USC graduate, began her NBA career with the Houston Rockets in 2015. She spent four seasons with the organization in basketball operations and scouting roles, becoming the NBA’s only female scout at the time and eventually helping coordinate the Rockets’ scouting group, according to the Sparks.
She later earned an MBA from Duke University, where she worked with then-coach Mike Krzyzewski and current coach Jon Scheyer as a player personnel consultant for the men’s basketball program.
Andonian joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020 and spent four seasons with the organization, advancing to director of player personnel and leading its high school and international scouting efforts.
She joined the 76ers in 2024 as vice president of player personnel, running the team’s professional scouting group and co-leading its extended scouting efforts. She was named general manager of the Blue Coats in 2025.
“Coming home to Southern California to serve as general manager of the Sparks is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Andonian said. “This is a franchise with a championship legacy, one that is part of the fabric of women’s professional basketball. It was clear to me throughout this process that the Sparks ownership group is committed to delivering for our fans.
“My goal as GM is to build a culture of excellence centered around great people, strong processes and doing everything within our power to best support our players on and off the court. I’m truly grateful to be back home for an important chapter of Sparks basketball.”
Andonian will oversee all aspects of the Sparks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel, scouting and long-term basketball strategy.
The Sparks fired Pebley July 12 and named assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen as interim replacements.
Pebley had been hired as the Sparks’ general manager on Jan. 5, 2024, following a 21-season college coaching career. The Sparks had a 39-66 record during her tenure and were 10-11 when she was fired.
Pebley played in the WNBA in 1997 and 1998 following a college career at Colorado.
Andonian will officially join the Sparks later this month. Before arriving in Los Angeles, she is scheduled to attend the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.