![Derek Fisher Hired to Coach WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2017/06/Derek-Fisher.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Derek Fisher Hired to Coach WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former NBA player and coach Derek Fisher has been hired to coach the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks.
The Sparks announced the move Wednesday, five days after longtime WNBA coach Brian Agler resigned.
Fisher helped the Los Angeles Lakers win five NBA titles during his 18-season playing career and served as president of the players' union. He coached the New York Knicks from 2014-2016.
"I'm excited to be the new head coach of the LA Sparks," Fisher said in a team statement. "There is no finer organization in the WNBA and I can't wait to work with our ownership group, front office, talented players and staff to cement a culture of sustained excellence, which is what LA basketball fans demand — and deserve."
The 44-year-old Fisher is being welcomed by two-time MVP Candace Parker.
"Derek is a great basketball mind who brings a ton of high-level experience to our team," Parker said. "I look forward to working with someone with championship pedigree and who has a track record of strong leadership. Derek has been a strong supporter of women's basketball for quite some time, so it's nice to officially welcome him."
Agler guided LA to the 2016 WNBA title and had an 85-51 record with the Sparks in four seasons. The team is owned by an investment group led by Magic Johnson and Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Sparks will introduce Fisher at a press conference on Friday.
More From 1460 ESPN
![Historic: Toronto Awarded First WNBA Expansion Team Abroad](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2024/05/attachment-GettyImages-2153599714.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Alanna Smith Scores Career-high 22 Points as the Lynx Beat the new-look Storm 83-70](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/07/attachment-GettyImages-1500658726.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Seattle Storm Major FA Moves: Signing Nneka Ogwumike And Skylar Diggins-Smith](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2024/02/attachment-GettyImages-1631212015.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wizards, Capitals Would Move to Virginia, Mystics Would Stay in DC](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/12/attachment-GettyImages-1852499443.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Potential WNBA Expansion Team for Portland Shelved for Now](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/07/attachment-GettyImages-1500658726.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Vegas Aces Repeats as WNBA Champs. Beating New York Liberty 70-69](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/10/attachment-GettyImages-1743893988.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Loyd Wins Scoring Title, but Late Run Lifts Sparks Over Storm 91-89](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2022/09/attachment-GettyImages-1425014746.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kelsey Mitchell Scores 36 Points as the Fever Hold off the Storm 90-86](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/07/attachment-GettyImages-1500658726.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![WNBA Expansion for League, Players is hot Topic of Discussion](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2023/07/attachment-GettyImages-1547290059-e1689785116564.jpg?w=980&q=75)