WNBA Fans Slam Los Angeles Sparks Over “Inappropriate” Photo of Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker
The Los Angeles Sparks are under fire from WNBA fans this week after a social media post featuring rookie guard Sarah Ashlee Barker sparked backlash for what many are calling “inappropriate” and “tone-deaf” marketing.
Ahead of their Tuesday night matchup against the Seattle Storm, the Sparks’ official account shared a promotional graphic with the caption, “Back in front of the home crowd.” At first glance, the message seemed harmless—but the image choice quickly set off a wave of criticism.
Instead of featuring Barker in her Sparks uniform, the team posted a photo of her wearing a revealing black top, a choice fans say undermines the professionalism and athletic integrity of women’s basketball.
Within hours, the post ignited outrage across social media platforms.
“Y’all need to have more control over these organizations,” one fan wrote. “I take my daughters to these games, and we’re out here promoting women’s basketball with half-naked photos? This is embarrassing.”
Another fan, identifying herself as a longtime supporter of the league, added:
“As a woman, I’m disappointed by the graphic. We fight so hard for respect in women’s sports, and this feels like a step backward.”
Others were even more blunt:
“What exactly are we promoting here?” one person asked.
“The Sparks really want men to watch them, lol. It’s getting embarrassing,” another fan commented on X.
Many users accused the Sparks of “sexualizing players to market for the male gaze”, arguing that such posts diminish the progress women’s sports have made in recent years toward equal representation and respect.
While the Sparks have not yet released a statement addressing the controversy, the post has reportedly been deleted or heavily edited following the backlash. Fans are now calling on the organization to take accountability and ensure that future promotions highlight athletes’ skills, not their appearance.
Barker, a 6-foot guard from the University of Alabama, is in her rookie WNBA season and has averaged 4.6 points per game for the Sparks so far. Despite the controversy, many fans were quick to defend her personally, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the team’s social media staff—not Barker herself.
“This isn’t on Sarah,” one supporter noted. “She’s out there working hard every night. Whoever approved that post missed the mark completely.”
As the Sparks prepare to face the Seattle Storm tonight (10 p.m. ET on NBA TV), the focus has shifted from basketball to branding — raising bigger questions about how women’s sports are promoted, and where the line should be drawn between visibility and objectification.
For now, fans are demanding one thing: more respect for the athletes and the game.
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