Sports Physical Therapist at Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a full-time Sports Physical Therapist to support the health, performance, and availability of elite professional basketball athletes. This role will be responsible for injury evaluation, rehabilitation, return-to-play progression, and collaboration within a high-performance, athlete-centered environment. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented clinician with a strong background in sports medicine, load management, and performance integration. This position reports to the Director of Health & Performance and General Manager. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Clinical Care & Rehabilitation • Evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries • Design and implement individualized rehabilitation programs aligned with basketball demands • Lead return-to-play progressions, including objective testing and on-court reintegration • Provide manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular interventions Performance Integration • Collaborate with strength & conditioning, sports science, and medical staff on athlete programming • Contribute to load management strategies and daily readiness assessments • Integrate rehabilitation with performance goals to optimize availability and reduce reinjury risk Game & Practice Coverage • Provide on-court coverage for all practices, games, and team events • Travel with the team as required throughout the WNBA season Communication & Documentation • Maintain accurate medical records and daily treatment notes • Communicate athlete status, progress, and recommendations to performance staff and leadership • Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and case discussions KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • Athlete-first mindset with a commitment to high performance care • Strong communication and collaboration skills across disciplines • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-performance environment • High level of professionalism, discretion, and adaptability MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education & Certification • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program • Licensed (or eligible for licensure) in the state of California Experience • Minimum 2–3 years of experience in sports or orthopedic physical therapy • Experience working with high-level athletes (collegiate, professional, or elite amateur) PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) • Residency and/or Fellowship Trained • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and/or certified in Pilates • Experience in basketball or court-based sports • Background in return-to-play testing, load monitoring, and performance integration WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS: • Full-time, including evenings, weekends, and travel during the WNBA season • Offseason responsibilities include athlete monitoring, program development, and continued collaboration with performance staff Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $90,000 This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.