Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink is closing in on a long-awaited return to the WNBA court after a torn ACL prematurely ended her rookie campaign. Now in her second year with the Sparks, Brink has resumed complete training and shared that she’s “back to doing everything pretty normally,” offering a promising outlook for a player viewed as a future face of the franchise.
Brink, 23, suffered the injury during a game against the Connecticut Sun in June 2024. It forced her to miss the final 25 games of the season and withdrew her from Team USA’s 3×3 roster for the Paris Olympics. At the time of the injury, she averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks over 15 games, showcasing elite defensive instincts and versatility in the frontcourt.
Brink said she feels “great” and is “taking it step by step” as she inches closer to game action. The Sparks forward also credited the organization for supporting her fully through the process.
“I’m thankful that I’m not getting any pressure from the organization,” Brink said. “The Sparks are doing a really good job of just supporting me fully through this process.”
Her comments are crucial for the Sparks, who are preparing for a revamped 2025 campaign. With additions like Kelsey Plum and a promising rookie class, Brink’s return is expected to help anchor the defense and provide a key interior presence as Los Angeles looks to return to playoff contention.
Cameron Brink on Physical and Mental Climb Back
According to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Brink is on track to return before the WNBA All-Star break in June, almost a year after the injury. The milestone would culminate a rigorous rehabilitation process led by specialists, including Susan and Curtis Borchardt of The Athlete Blueprint.
Brink opened up about her journey on her podcast, Straight 2 Cam, which Sydel Curry-Lee co-hosted. She recalled the moment of the injury with surreal calm: “When I tore my ACL, I got up and walked off the floor. There was no wheelchair for me. I didn’t yell. I was just sitting there like, ‘Ope, that happened. Get up and walk it off.”
Her recovery has included the whole arc of ACL rehabilitation—from rebuilding strength and mobility to regaining court instincts. Brink detailed the mental toll of starting from scratch, saying she felt “gassed” just doing basic drills and had to “relearn everything,” including shooting form and conditioning.
But despite the setbacks, she remained engaged and active during her time away from the court. Brink graduated from Stanford and got engaged, turning personal milestones into a silver lining in her year of adversity.
Los Angeles Sparks Outlook with Brink Back in the Fold
The Sparks missed Brink’s rim protection and rebounding last season, particularly as they struggled defensively in the second half of the year. Before her injury, her 2.3 blocks per game ranked among the best in the league, and her ability to contest shots without fouling had become a defining trait of her game.
As Brink approaches her return, expectations are once again high. Her presence in the paint and offensive playmakers like Plum and a deeper roster could make the Sparks one of the WNBA’s most improved teams.
More broadly, Brink’s comeback has emerged as one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2025 WNBA season. A charismatic personality with an elite defensive ceiling, Brink represents the promise of the Sparks’ rebuild and the league’s growing star power.
