Cameron Brink Expresses Discomfort Over Male Practice Player Tryouts

LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2025 — Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink voiced her discomfort regarding the upcoming male practice player tryouts, which have garnered significant attention online. The team announced the tryouts through social media, leading to a wave of inappropriate comments that left Brink feeling unsettled.

During a recent episode of the ‘Straight to Cam’ podcast with co-host Sydel Curry-Lee, Brink shared her reaction to the announcement, stating, ‘I guess my confession is I’m really icked out by the potential new practice players.’ The post, which she described as a flyer featuring her and teammates Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Kelsey Plum, quickly accumulated over 43 million views.

Brink, 23, explained that the Sparks typically practice with male players from the University of Southern California, who also assist the USC women’s team. However, the nature of the comments made by some social media users has made her hesitant about the upcoming tryouts. ‘It’s basically just a flyer, and all the comments are like “Let Cameron Brink back me down,” or something about Rickea or something about Kelsey,’ she added.

Reflecting on the potential impact of the new players, she humorously remarked, ‘Who are we trusting coming into this gym? I’m not boxing anyone out. Lynne, our new coach, is gonna be screaming at me for not rebounding. But I’m not boxing out anyone.’

Curry-Lee, sister of NBA star Stephen Curry, suggested the tryouts may require ‘heavy HR training’ for the male players. While Brink emphasized she does not have an issue practicing against men, the comments on social media have understandably caused her concern.

Amid the mixed responses, some social media users defended Brink, with one stating, ‘A lot of dudes are going to get humbled hard.’ The Sparks are set to hold the tryouts on April 12 in Torrance, California.

Brink, a former NCAA champion at Stanford University, was drafted by the Sparks second overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Last season, her rookie campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL injury. The upcoming season is scheduled to begin for the Sparks on May 16, as they face the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco.