Former Razorback women’s basketball coach joins WNBA staff

LOS ANGELES (KNWA/KFTA) — Former Arkansas women’s basketball head coach Mike Neighbors will be coaching in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) next season.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Sparks announced that Neighbors was hired as an assistant coach.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 23: Head Coach Mike Neighbors of the Arkansas Razorbacks yells from the sideline against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on January 23, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)

“Becoming a part of the Los Angeles Sparks is my childhood dream realized,” Neighbors said. “During my 31 years as a women’s coach, the growth of the game and the league has been miraculous to experience.”

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Neighbors resigned from his position as head coach on March 11 after spending seven seasons with the Razorbacks. The Greenwood native and University of Arkansas alum went 148-114 during his time at Arkansas, leading the Razorbacks to six winning seasons and positioning the Hogs for six postseason appearances.

Now, Neighbors is off to WNBA with the LA Sparks.

Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts said the organization was very intentional in their hirings, wanting a mix of innovation and experience.

“With Mike Neighbors, we have achieved both. Mike is extremely experienced, well-respected in the basketball world and has been successful as a head coach and assistant coach,” Roberts said. “He is smart, creative and hardworking, and we can’t wait for him to join us.”

The Los Angeles Sparks open its 2025 campaign on the road against the Golden State Valkyries on May 16.