The Los Angeles Sparks made a swift decision on Friday to waive newly-signed guard Grace Berger just three days after signing her on a hardship contract. The move came as Kelsey Plum returned to the lineup, prompting the Sparks to make room by releasing Berger.
Berger, a 26-year-old guard, struggled in her lone appearance for the Sparks, going scoreless with three turnovers in 16 minutes of action during a blowout loss to the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. This performance likely factored into the decision to release her, especially with Plum’s return providing depth to the lineup.
The WNBA often sees players like Berger being signed on temporary contracts due to teams dealing with multiple injuries. However, once the team reaches its maximum of 10 active players, these temporary signings are often waived to make room for returning players or more permanent roster additions.
Prior to signing with the Sparks, Berger had stints with the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx. She was selected as the 7th overall pick in 2023 by the Fever and spent two seasons with the team before being waived in the offseason. Berger averaged 3.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game during her time in the WNBA, shooting 44.1% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range.
After training camp with the Lynx, Berger found herself as a free agent once again following her release from the Sparks. Her brief tenure with the team serves as a reminder of the transient nature of roster spots in the WNBA, where players often face multiple waivers throughout a season.
The decision to release Berger highlights the competitive and dynamic nature of the WNBA, where teams must make quick roster adjustments based on player performance and availability. While Berger’s time with the Sparks may have been short-lived, it underscores the challenges and opportunities that players navigate in their professional basketball careers.
Sources:
1. [Athlon Sports – Los Angeles Sparks waive newly-signed guard after three days](https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/6/21/24453240/los-angeles-sparks-waive-grace-berger-kelsey-plum)
2. [Athlon Sports – Los Angeles Sparks Make Kelsey Plum Decision on Friday](https://athlonsports.com/wnba/los-angeles-sparks/los-angeles-sparks-make-kelsey-plum-decision-on-friday)
3. [Athlon Sports – WNBA Reacts to Brittney Griner’s Play Against Mystics on Friday](https://athlonsports.com/wnba/wnba-reacts-brittney-griners-play-against-mystics-friday)
