The Los Angeles Sparks have begun making roster changes ahead of their first preseason matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday.
On Thursday night, the team announced via X that it has waived forward Anneli Maley and rookie guard/forward Alyssa Ustby.
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Maley, an Australian native, previously played four games with the Chicago Sky during the 2022 WNBA season. Ustby, a recent graduate of North Carolina, was eyeing a roster spot in her rookie season.
The cuts are part of the Sparks’ effort to finalize their lineup as training camp continues and the season approaches.
Prior to the X announcement, the Sparks posted tributes to both Maley and Utsby on their official Facebook and Instagram page, thanking them for the dedication they gave during their short time at training camp.
The Sparks training camp started on Sunday and is led by head coach Lynne Roberts.
Utsby played college basketball for the Tar Heels, where she was a four-time All-ACC selection. She finished her collegiate career No. 3 all-time in the ACC with 1,269 career rebounds. Despite going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she signed with the Sparks as a free agent on April 15.
Duke Blue Devils forward Toby Fournier (35) blocks a shot by North Carolina Tar Heels forward Alyssa Ustby (1) at Legacy Arena. Gary Cosby Jr.-USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Maley began her professional basketball career in Australia’s WNBL with the Adelaide Lightning in 2016. After a brief time playing college basketball at Oregon and TCU, Maley returned to Australia and played with the Bendigo Spirit. That same year, she made her WNBA debut with the Sky.
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In 2024, the 6-foot-1 athlete competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris for Australia’s 3×3 basketball team.
Anneli Maley (24) grabs a rebound against the United States in a pool play game during the 2024 Summer Olympics at La Concorde 1. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“That’s professional sports for you, thankful for the opportunity always,” the Australian athlete wrote on her Instagram story Thursday evening. “More downs than ups and more nos than yes’s, but onto the next we go peace out LA.”
Utsby has not yet commented.
The Sparks head into the new season without star Cameron Brink, who is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last June. In the meantime, new acquisition Kelsey Plum and the rest of the Sparks will try to improve on last season’s league-worst 8-32 record.
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Teams have until May 15 to finalize their rosters. LA’s season opener is May 16 against the Valkyries.
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