Sparks finalize roster amid criticism and face Phoenix Mercury in season opener.
The Los Angeles Sparks have finalized their roster for the upcoming WNBA season, with Layshia Clarendon making a return after a one-year hiatus. The team includes familiar faces such as Nneka Ogwumike and top offseason acquisitions Azurá Stevens, Jasmine Thomas, and Dearica Hamby. However, the league's roster limits have come under criticism, with rookies finding it increasingly difficult to break into the WNBA. The hard salary cap limits most teams to 11 players, and recent discussions about roster expansion have stalled.