LA Sparks Announce Male Practice Player Tryouts, Social Media Reacts

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Basketball weekend warriors have a long history of thinking that their occasional pickup game entitles them to think they can even score a bucket on a professional basketball player, NBA, or otherwise. Boston Celtic NBA Champ Brian Scalabrine is notorious for making headlines several times for making civilians look silly in casual games and the trash-talking he receives only increases tenfold when it comes to people challenging WNBA players. The dated idea that women can’t excel at sports has only gotten louder as the W has risen in popularity and talent in recent seasons. Now, the Los Angeles Sparks are ready to see what you’ve really got in the ultimate battle of the sexes.

With the 2025 WNBA season quickly approaching, the West Coast team is searching for male practice players for the four-month season. “We’re looking for male practice players for the 2025 season. Do you have what it takes?” the franchise tweeted alongside a photo of some of its starters, including Cameron Brink, Kelsey Plum, Rickea Jackson, and Dearica Hamby. Those interested were told the tryouts will occur on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at El Camino College. A link to fill out the waiver is also included, but thanks to reposts—including a retweet from Legion Hoops with 34,000 likes—sign-up has been closed due to skyrocketing interest. “Thank you for your interest in our Practice Player Tryouts at the Los Angeles Sparks. Due to the overwhelming number of applicants we have received, we will not be processing any more applications. We appreciate your time and interest with our organization,” reads the link.

Hamby even quote-tweeted the initial post, adding, “Can’t be soft!!!!!” Jackson was much more competitive with her response, telling the men to “come get cooked.”

WNBA teams putting out feelers for men to participate in practice is nothing new. It just adds to the competitiveness, improves their games, and makes it more physical so that by the time the season rolls around, they’re even more formidable against other teams. The Dallas Wings are also looking for male practice squad members and are holding tryouts on April 22. Their registration form has also been removed because of interest, with the team’s official site adding that “The male practice squad will assist Wings coaches and participate in Wings practices as needed. Those selected will receive basketball shoes, Wings practice apparel, and tickets to select games. Must be 18+ to tryout.” Of course, social media users started fantasizing about competing against the WNBA ballers they were attracted to, and things got out of hand. See the hilarious reactions below.