The Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a star presence to guide the team through the coming years, and they may have found it in Cameron Brink, the standout 22-year-old rookie from Stanford.
Selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Brink is poised to become a cornerstone for the franchise as it evolves from a perennial playoff contender to a cohesive, youthful squad.
Currently, the Sparks are enduring their longest playoff drought in history, having missed the postseason for three consecutive seasons. The previous record for a playoff absence was two years, occurring in 1997 and 1998.
With Brink at the helm, alongside fellow first-round pick Rickea Jackson, the Sparks are optimistic about ending this streak soon. Despite the high expectations, the 6-foot-4 forward maintains a grounded perspective.
“I wouldn’t say celebrity,” Brink told reporters before the Sparks’ matchup against the Minnesota Lynx on June 5. “That’s not how I see things. I just think basketball has taken me to amazing places.”
Nevertheless, Brink has quickly become a popular figure among Sparks fans. She is one of the most recognizable faces of the rookie class and has made history as the first female basketball player to sign with New Balance. Her endorsement deals also include Urban Outfitters and Netflix, and she was featured in the SKIMS partnership with the WNBA. Brink even graced the cover of SLAM magazine.
Brink’s influence extends to social media, where she is among the most followed WNBA players on Instagram, boasting over one million followers. Adding to her public profile, Brink and Jackson were invited to throw out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers game, receiving a warm ovation from the crowd.
Her media presence includes an appearance on Paul George’s podcast, which has garnered over 320,000 views, comparable to other popular episodes. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler also flew to Los Angeles to support Brink and the Sparks, commenting, “22 just looks good in purple and gold,” further fueling speculation about his potential interest in joining the Lakers.
Despite her rising stardom, Brink has faced challenges. Reflecting on her journey, she shared with Just Women’s Sports how she learned to be “authentically herself” after being bullied for her height. “Don’t change for others, and don’t give others the power to make you feel small,” she advised.
From navigating multiple school transfers to avoid bullying to becoming the No. 2 draft pick, Brink has come a long way and is poised to become Los Angeles’ next big star. Yet, she remains focused on staying grounded and appreciating each moment.
“I love being in this city and everyone’s been so great,” Brink said. “I’ve just accumulated some great fans and people in my life. Thank you for all of it.”
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