Los Angeles Sparks Sign WNBA Champion Kristi Toliver

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Sparks are excited to announce the signing of All-Star guard Kristi Toliver, the team announced today. Toliver spent seven seasons with the Sparks from 2010-2016, helping the team capture the 2016 WNBA championship. Last year, Toliver guided the Washington Mystics to the 2019 title. Toliver is a three-time All-Star (2013, 2018, 2019) and has averaged 12.4 points and 3.6 assists per game, while shooting 38.7% on 3-pointers over her 11-year career.

“We are thrilled to have Kristi Toliver back in an LA Sparks uniform,” Managing Partner and Governor Eric Holoman said. “Kristi is a phenomenal leader and proven winner at every level. We can’t wait to see her back on the floor with her 2016 championship teammates.”

“Heading into 2020 Free Agency, we wanted to add players that possess multiple skill sets and Kristi is at the top of that list,” Head Coach Derek Fisher added. “Kristi understands the habits and dedication required on a daily basis to build a championship culture. We’re all excited to have her rejoin the Sparks family.”

Toliver was drafted third overall by the Chicago Sky in 2009 and was traded to Los Angeles prior to the 2010 season in exchange for a second round pick. The Sparks made the playoffs six out of seven seasons with Toliver, who made the All-WNBA Second Team and won the Most Improved Player award in 2012.

“Returning to Los Angeles is special to me for many reasons,” Toliver said. “I’m ready for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to a successful and exciting season with the Sparks.”

The Harrisonburg, Virginia native had a storied career at the University of Maryland, leading the program to their first national championship in 2006. She’s won over 10 cups and championships playing overseas in Russia. Toliver currently serves as an assistant coach for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

The Sparks kick off the 2020 season against the Mystics in D.C. on May 16 at 1 p.m. PT on ESPN. The Home Opener is May 31 against the Connecticut Sun.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS

The Sparks 2020 home opener is on May 31 against the Connecticut Sun. To purchase tickets, visit http://sparks.wnba.com/tickets/. Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the only professional women’s sports team in California. The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 19 of their 23 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Staples Center has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. To purchase tickets, visit http://sparks.wnba.com/tickets/.

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Tags: Kristi Toliver, Landon Buford, Los Angeles Sparks, The Hype Magazine, WNBA

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.