Elizabeth Cambage, the 6’8″ Australian center, has made shockwaves by abruptly departing from the Los Angeles Sparks in June of 2022. The four-time All-Star, who once scored a record-breaking 53 points in a single game, left the team with just three weeks remaining in the regular season.
On the court, Cambage’s stats with the Sparks were average. She scored 13 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and played 23 minutes per game. These were her lowest career numbers as a post-player. However, her departure appears to have stemmed from more than just on-court performance.
#BREAKING: Elizabeth Cambage is departing from the LA Sparks, multiple sources tell @theballoutmedia @TheBallOutSport #WNBA #WNBATwitter #LizCambage https://t.co/DQALNluxym
— The Ball Out (@theballoutmedia) July 26, 2022
Locker Room Tensions and Cultural Clashes Reports suggest that Cambage struggled to find her place within the Sparks’ locker room dynamic. Sources claim she often felt disconnected from her teammates and lacked the respect typically afforded to a player of her caliber.
“I can’t do this anymore. Best of luck to you guys,”
Cambage reportedly told her Sparks teammates less than a month before the end of the regular season.
Racial Slur Controversy Adding fuel to the fire was a controversy earlier in the year when Cambage was alleged to have used a racial slur directed at players on Nigeria’s national team during a heated scrimmage. While she issued an apology, the incident cast a shadow over her time in Los Angeles.
A Call for Change In announcing her departure from the WNBA “for the time being,” Cambage called for more robust support systems within the league.
“I’m hopeful that the WNBA will do their part in creating safer environments and a stronger support system for their players,”
she stated on Instagram.
Since leaving the Sparks, Cambage explored international opportunities for higher pay. She briefly joined Israel’s Maccabi Bnot Ashdod before signing a lucrative $1 million contract with Sichuan, a Chinese team.
The departure of Liz Cambage from the LA Sparks has left more questions than answers. Her on-court dominance is well-known. Yet, stepping away from the WNBA raises important issues. Players juggle game demands, cultural differences, and personal growth. Cambage’s plea for better support resonates deeply. It could influence future negotiations and policy enhancements.
