Cameron Brink’s return feels like it’s been forever in the making. The Los Angeles Sparks star tore her ACL in June 2024, watching helplessly as her rookie season ended after just 15 games and her team’s playoff hopes crumbled. Now, after 13 months of grinding through rehab, the moment Sparks fans have been waiting for is finally here.
How Close Is Cameron Brink to Making Her 2025 Debut?
Brink hasn’t stepped on the court since June 18, 2024, when the Sparks visited the Connecticut Sun. The lengthy recovery process has tested the 6’4″ forward’s patience, but Sparks fans received encouraging news this week about her condition.
Los Angeles head coach Lynne Roberts confirmed that Brink is on the verge of returning to the lineup. While Roberts was hesitant to include Brink in Saturday’s game against the New York Liberty at the Barclays Center, fans can expect to see her make her first appearance of the 2025 season very soon.
“Coach Lynne Roberts said Brink won’t play against NYL on Saturday night, but Brink is nearing a return,” reported The Athletic’s Ben Pickman.
An update on Los Angeles Sparks Cam Brink:
-Coach Lynne Roberts said Brink won’t play against NYL on Saturday night, but Brink is nearing a return.
-“I’m cleared. It’s just getting reps at this point. Just getting back up to speed with everybody,” Brink told reporters Sat
— Ben Pickman (@benpickman) July 26, 2025
The injury derailed what had been a promising start to Brink’s professional career. After an outstanding tenure at Stanford that included an NCAA national championship in 2021, she entered the league with sky-high expectations. The Sparks selected her with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 draft, ahead of notable prospects like Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Angel Reese.
During her abbreviated rookie campaign, Brink averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game before the injury ended her season.
What Did Brink Say About Her Recovery Status?
The most encouraging news came directly from Brink herself, who announced she’s medically cleared and ready to return.
“I’m cleared. It’s just getting reps at this point. Just getting back up to speed with everybody,” Brink said before Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile, her teammates showed they’re ready to welcome her back with open arms. The Sparks held on for a narrow 101-99 victory against the Liberty on Saturday, extending their current hot streak. Los Angeles has been on fire over the past two weeks, winning five straight games to improve to 11-14 and climb back into playoff contention.
Adding Brink’s presence back to this surging roster should provide even more firepower. Roberts will be eager to have the athletic forward back in the lineup as soon as possible, especially with the team’s momentum building at the perfect time.
Brink could make her season debut when the Sparks face the Las Vegas Aces on July 30. If she needs a few more days to get up to speed, her return might come when Los Angeles takes on the Seattle Storm in Washington on August 2.
