Park Ji-hyun Becomes Third Korean WNBA Player After Los Angeles Sparks Make Roster Decision

The 2026 season might feature multiple contenders following the mega shake-up in the offseason, driven by free agency and draft night. Three-time champions, the Los Angeles Sparks, also amp up the roster, adding Nneka Ogwumike, a former champion, to the lineup. The side also added another top prospect, Park Ji-hyun, to the final roster.

Ahead of the season tip-off, the franchise announced its final roster, trimming its training camp roster to 12 players. With that, the Korean star received the encouraging news, which also put her name in the history books.

Park Ji-hyun Becomes Third Korean To Play In WNBA

The LA Sparks took a bold step, moving their promising young star, Rickea Jackson, in the off-season. A WNBA analyst slammed this decision, raising questions about the direction the franchise is moving in. But the team answered with an action, keeping another young prospect on the roster for the 2026 season.

As per the announcement, the team named 12 players for the 2026 season, including Park Ji-Hyun, who joined the team on a training camp contract.

박지현, 한국 '역대 3호' WNBA리거…LA 스팍스 최종 로스터 포함 #뉴스1 https://t.co/8vD0lePyPJ

— 뉴스1스포츠 (@news1sports_x) May 8, 2026

Now, with her selection as the WNBA regular season player, she became only the third Korean star to achieve this feat. Earlier, Jeong Seon-min and Park Ji-su played in the league. Seon-min was the eighth overall pick in the 2003 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm, while the Aces selected Ji-su in the 2018 draft.

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Interestingly, multiple Korean stars, including international-level players like Ha Eun-ju, Kim Gye-ryeong, Go Ah-ra, and Kang Lee-seul, have tried to enter the U.S. stage, but did not succeed.

The three-time champions might not be a direct contender for the championship in the 2026 season, but the side certainly is a dark horse with the mix of high-performing stars.

Park Ji-hyun’s Addition Highlights Sparks’ Mix Of Veterans And Youngsters

The Sparks have already hinted at a roster with championship experience and an eye on the future. After the final roster announcement, it’s clear that the franchise is keeping faith in the veterans to deliver and guide the young stars on the roster. Led by returning 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike, who brings invaluable championship experience back to the frontcourt alongside the versatile Dearica Hamby, the roster is built for immediate contention.

Elite guard Kelsey Plum anchors the offence, providing reliable scoring and leadership. This veteran core is perfectly complemented by high-potential young stars, including elite rim protector Cameron Brink in her third season and athletic wing Rae Burrell. Aireal Atkins and Erica Wheeler are also in the mix, keeping the high-energy offence flowing.

Got our squad. pic.twitter.com/aVhKcEIKev

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 8, 2026

As for the newcomers, the 2026 rookie class, featuring Ta’Niya Latson and Chance Gray, adds high-tempo energy and scoring depth off the bench. The Korean star also hands the team an impactful player on both ends of the floor. Under head coach Lynne Roberts, the team would look to implement a fast-paced identity, aiming to translate its elite 2026 scoring capabilities into a deep postseason run.