Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon dribbles the ball for the Sparks in a game against the Seattle Storm.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon dribbles the ball in the first half against the Seattle Storm. (Photo Credit: Kirby Lee | USA TODAY Sports)

After 12 seasons in the WNBA, Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon has announced their retirement from the league. With Los Angeles missing the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, Clarendon’s career comes to a close with the end of the W’s regular season campaign.

Clarendon’s legacy extends far beyond their stat line, though. Off the court, Clarendon spent much of their career fighting for WNBA player rights during two terms as first vice president of the WNBPA and as a foundational member of the players’ association’s social justice council. Clarendon was also the league’s first openly nonbinary and transgender player and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.


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