After over a year away from the court, 2024 No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink is officially set to make her long-awaited return to the WNBA. The 6’4″ forward, who suffered a devastating ACL injury in June 2024 during her rookie season, has been cleared to play and is expected to suit up for the Los Angeles Sparks against the Las Vegas Aces.
A Promising Rookie Campaign Cut Short
Before her injury, Brink was quickly making a name for herself in the WNBA. In just 15 games, she averaged:
- 7.5 points
- 5.3 rebounds
- 1.7 assists
- 1.1 steals
- 2.3 blocks
She was leading all rookies in blocks and had shown elite two-way potential, capable of scoring from the perimeter, running the floor, and protecting the paint with force. Brink’s impact was immediate, and many considered her the second-best rookie in the class behind Caitlin Clark.
Unfortunately, her promising rookie campaign came to an end on June 18, 2024, in a game against the Connecticut Sun — a team now ironically known for sidelining multiple key players due to injuries
Missing the Olympics, But Staying Focused
Brink’s injury not only ended her season but also forced her to withdraw from Team USA’s 3×3 roster for the Paris Olympics. The U.S. went on to win bronze without her, while Germany took home the gold. Brink, just 23 years old, has since focused on recovery and returning stronger.
Debut Set Against A’ja Wilson Aces
Her comeback game won’t be easy — the Sparks are slated to face the Las Vegas Aces, featuring two-time MVP A’ja Wilson. It’s likely Brink will be on a minutes restriction and come off the bench as the Sparks ease her back into game shape. But make no mistake: Brink’s presence adds depth and star power to a surging L.A. team.
The Sparks Are Heating Up
The Sparks enter the matchup riding a five-game win streak, sitting at 11-14. A win against the Aces would move them to 12-14 and place them just one step closer to locking in a playoff spot. With momentum building, the timing of Brink’s return couldn’t be better.
Alongside breakout second-year star Riceka Jackson, the Sparks have quietly built one of the league’s most intriguing young rosters. Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Julie Vanloo, Azurá Stevens, and others have helped spark a turnaround. Adding Brink back into the mix gives them a real shot at climbing into the playoff picture.
Brink Speaks on the Comeback
Speaking with reporters ahead of her return, Brink was candid and optimistic:
“It means the world. I’m just very excited, very humbled by this experience… It’s no easy thing to come back from. Just really excited.”
She acknowledged that her defense — already elite — will likely be the first aspect of her game to return to full form:
“My defense has kind of always been something I’ve leaned on… offense will come eventually.”
A Cautious, Yet Hopeful Path Forward
There’s no pressure for Brink to immediately carry the Sparks. With a well-balanced team and plenty of veteran leadership, she can gradually work back into game shape. Her ability to stretch the floor, run in transition, and defend the paint will be a valuable addition — especially during a critical playoff push.
Should the Sparks sneak into the postseason with Cameron Brink back on the floor, it will be one of the most compelling comeback stories of the 2025 season.
