When the Los Angeles Sparks announced open tryouts for male practice players ahead of the 2025 season, most fans shrugged. But Cameron Brink, the team's star forward, had a very different reaction — and she didn't hold back.
On her podcast, Straight to Cam, Brink admitted she's "really icked out" by the prospect of men joining the team's practice squad. It's a practice that's become standard across women's basketball, but for Brink, it's a line she's not comfortable crossing.
A Common Practice, A Controversial Take
Using male practice players is nothing new in the WNBA. These are typically guys who played hoops growing up but didn't crack elite college or pro rosters. Their size and athleticism make them ideal sparring partners for women's teams. Even South Carolina's head coach has credited her male practice players for helping her squad reach championship levels.
But Brink isn't buying the benefits. On her podcast, she questioned the whole setup, saying, "Usually, we use USC college guys that also do it for the women's team at USC. All the comments are, like, 'Let Cameron Brink back me down' or something about Rickea or something about Kelsey."
She added, "Preferably they're gay. … Who are we trusting coming into this gym?"
Not Afraid to Push Back
Brink also made it clear she won't be changing her game just because a dude is guarding her. "Lynne [Roberts], our new coach, is going to be screaming at me for not rebounding, but I'm not boxing out anyone," she said.
Her comments have ignited a debate among fans and analysts. Some see her stance as a reasonable concern about privacy and comfort in a professional setting. Others argue it's an overreaction to a long-standing tradition that helps teams sharpen their skills against tougher, more physical opposition.
This isn't the first time Brink has made headlines for speaking her mind. She's never been shy about voicing her opinions on the game and the league. And while her take on male practice players might not sit well with everyone, it's sparked a conversation about how WNBA teams approach training and the dynamics involved.
The Sparks, under new head coach Lynne Roberts, are in a rebuilding phase, and Brink is expected to be a cornerstone. Whether her discomfort with male practice players leads to changes in team policy remains to be seen, but it's clear she's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
For now, the league continues to evolve, and Brink's voice is part of that evolution. Whether you agree with her or not, she's making sure her perspective is heard — even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way.
