WNBA coach Lynne Roberts discloses difficult truths related to squad reduced in numbers
Getting Down to the Wire: WNBA's Brutal Roster Crunch
The WNBA's pre-season is a nail-biting time, especially for teams like the Sparks who are making their final roster decisions before the May 15 deadline. These teams must trim their player count to 12, which is no easy feat, considering the incredible talent on display.
As the Sparks get ready to take on the Golden State Valkyries in their 2025 season opener, head coach Lynne Roberts reflected on the tough choices that had to be made. "It's brutal, let's be real," Roberts said. "We had some fantastic players we had to release. It's not a question of talent, it's about what our team needs."
Roberts is right. The WNBA is a crucible, testing even the most gifted players. With only 156 roster spots across 13 teams, it's no wonder that players find themselves on the chopping block, even if they're talented enough to play at the highest level.
It's a tough world out there for WNBA draft picks. Despite the tough times, the Sparks managed to hold on to two of their picks, Sarah Ashlee Barker and Sania Feagin. Barker was a near-lock for the roster, while Feagin managed to beat out more established players. But many others, like Liatu King, who was drafted with the No. 28 pick, found themselves on the wrong end of the cut.
Draft picks face numerous obstacles in the WNBA, from the limited number of roster spots, to the intense competition from veteran and international players, to the pressure of making last-minute cuts close to the start of the season. It's a ferocious battle, and only the strongest survive.
So, as the Sparks take to the court against the Valkyries, remember that every player on the court has paid their dues and proved their worth. And for those who didn't make the cut, well, it's just another reminder of the brutal reality of the WNBA.
Insights:
- The WNBA has only 156 total roster spots across 13 teams, averaging about 12 players per team.
- Draft picks must compete not only with other rookies but also with experienced veterans and international players who bring diverse skills.
- The strict roster size rules mean teams struggle to keep all their new talent, and many draft picks are cut during or following training camps.
- Even well-known players and high draft selections can face last-minute cuts as teams finalize their rosters close to the season start.
The brutal roster crunch in the WNBA means even talented draft picks, like Liatu King (No. 28 pick), can find themselves on the chopping block, while outstanding rookies like Sarah Ashlee Barker and Sania Feagin manage to secure their spots on teams like the Sparks. When it comes to sports, basketball in the WNBA is no exception – it's a fierce competition, with only the strongest surviving the strain of the roster draft and making it to the final roster.
