Data Scientist, Basketball Operations

POSITION SUMMARY:The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Data Scientist to help elevate the team’s competitive decision-making through statistical modeling, automated reporting, and data-driven insights. experience working with complex datasets, and the ability to turn data into clear, impactful insights used in realistic basketball solutions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Applied Basketball AnalyticsDevelop predictive models to support player evaluation, lineup optimization, scouting, in-game strategy, and roster management. Analyze player tracking data, play-by-play, and event-level datasets to uncover performance trends and competitive advantages. Design analytical reports, visualizations, and tools used by coaches, scouts, and front-office staff. Modeling & Statistical ResearchBuild and validate models for player evaluation, player development, skill-specific growth, and opponent scouting. Conduct research on new basketball metrics and methodologies that enhance internal evaluations. Maintain reproducible research workflows and documentation. Data Integration & Engineering CollaborationPartner with the Data Engineering team to define data needs, improve infrastructure, and ensure reliable, well-structured datasets for analytics. Build features, transformations, and metrics for use in models and internal reports. Integrate league providers (Second Spectrum, Synergy, etc.) into an internal data synthesis and reporting structure. Assist in software development related to data science work produced by the R&D team. Cross-Functional ImpactPrepare clear, concise explanations of analytical findings for scouts, leadership, and coaches. Support the main decision making periods needed throughout the season (Free Agency, Draft, and Staffing). Work collaboratively across Basketball Operations to create a data-driven environment. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Education & CertificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field preferred. experience in data science or related fields. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong proficiency in R or Python and SQL. Experience building statistical or machine learning models on real-world datasets. Ability to translate complex data into clear, accessible insights for non-technical audiences. Experience building data viz (ggplot2, grobblR, Plotly, Shiny, Dash, etc.)Passion for basketball analytics and familiarity with modern metrics and concepts. Ability to work flexible hours during the WNBA season. PreferredExperience with basketball-specific data sources such as tracking data, video logs, or advanced play-by-play. Familiarity with cloud analytics environments (AWS, GCP, or Azure). Knowledge of Bayesian modeling, optimization techniques, or time-series forecasting. Familiarity with building or maintaining ETL pipelines. Familiarity with software engineering tools. Prior experience working in professional or collegiate sports analytics. benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.