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Louisville's Laura Ziegler signs with LA Sparks after WNBA draft
TL;DR
Laura Ziegler, former Louisville women's basketball forward, has signed with the LA Sparks as the first player in the franchise's history to join the player developmental pool. She averaged 11 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, contributing to Louisville's Sweet 16 appearance.
Former Louisville women's basketball forward Laura Ziegler will start her professional career in Southern California.
Ziegler became the first player in the Los Angeles Sparks' franchise history to become part of the player developmental pool, the team announced late Tuesday night. Each WNBA team is now allowed two developmental roster spots. According to a press release from the Sparks, players practice, receive stipends/benefits and can be activated for up to 12 games, aiding rookie development and team depth.
“Laura is a versatile big, whose high basketball IQ and efficient shooting embody our style of play,” Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley said in a statement. “She rebounds well on both sides of the ball and thrived in a new role with Louisville this past season, showcasing her adaptability. We’re excited to see her develop within our system.”
Ziegler ended the 2025-26 season averaging 11 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists, which included five double-doubles and two 20-point performances, en route to helping Louisville to its first Sweet 16 appearance in three years.
The Denmark native spent her first three seasons of women's college basketball at Saint Joseph's before transferring to UofL in 2025. She was a starter in her lone season with the Cards and was tasked with becoming a point forward one month into the regular season. Her versatility helped to open up the team's offense, which gave way to a 14-game winning streak, a record-setting 11-0 start to ACC play, an ACC Tournament championship game appearance and the program's second 29-win season in the last four years.
Ziegler was hoping to become the second Louisville player selected over the last three WNBA drafts after guard Kiki Jefferson was picked 31st in 2024. Despite going undrafted, she will still get her chance in the pros.
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit atacubit@gannett.comand follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Los Angeles Sparks sign Louisville's Laura Ziegler after WNBA draft
Q&A
What are the benefits of joining the LA Sparks' player developmental pool?
Players in the developmental pool practice with the team, receive stipends and benefits, and can be activated for up to 12 games to aid in their development.
How did Laura Ziegler perform during her last season at Louisville?
Ziegler averaged 11 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, including five double-doubles and two 20-point games.
What is significant about Laura Ziegler's signing with the LA Sparks?
Ziegler's signing is historic as she is the first player in LA Sparks history to be part of the player developmental pool, reflecting a new opportunity for rookie development within the franchise.
