LOS ANGELES (February 1, 2023) – The Los Angeles Sparks announced today the signing of forward Stephanie Talbot to a multi-year deal.
“I am excited to sign with the Los Angeles Sparks for the next two years,” said Talbot. “Talking to KB and Curt over the past week, I loved their vision for both myself and the team. I’m really looking forward to meeting my teammates and getting to work.”
Talbot enters her sixth season in the WNBA, playing in 162 career games with Phoenix, Minnesota and Seattle, holding career averages of 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and shooting 37.6% from deep. The sharp-shooter finished the 2022 season 10th in the league in three-point percentage, connecting on 39.7% from beyond the arc. She also added 5.0 points, 3.1 rebound and 1.3 assists in 34 games with the Storm.
“Talbs was a player that was high on our free agency list from the beginning of our process,” said Sparks CAO & GM Karen Bryant. “Her experience in high level competition both internationally and in the WNBA will bring valuable leadership to this team.”
The Australia native is currently playing overseas for the Adelaide Lightning. She has appeared in 15 games during the WNBL season, averaging 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. She is currently shooting 37.5% (15-of-40) from beyond the arc in 32.6 minutes of action. During the 2020 WNBL season she earned league MVP honors with the Adelaide Lightning after averaging 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Talbot has competed in international competitions, most recently 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIBA World Cup representing her home country of Australia. In the 2022 World Cup she saw action in eight games, posting averages of 8.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists, while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc, assisting her team to a bronze medal.
“Steph is a versatile wing with great length and impacts both ends of the court with her energy and effort,” said Head Coach Curt Miller. “She is an outstanding perimeter shooter which will help us with floor spacing and offensive schemes.”
Talbot will be available to media via zoom on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m. PST. Details regarding a zoom link will be forthcoming.
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 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 Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 season tickets are available here for purchase.