The Los Angeles Sparks have signed Belgian guard Julie Vanloo, the team announced Thursday. The move comes just days after the Sparks waived Odyssey Sims, creating a backcourt opening now filled by one of Europe’s top guards.
Vanloo was most recently signed with the Golden State Valkyries but was waived following her participation in EuroBasket over the past few weeks. With Golden State, she averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 assists across nine games. She made her WNBA debut with the Washington Mystics in 2024, appearing in 40 games last season and averaging 7.4 points and 4.3 assists in a reserve role.
Los Angeles needed to shake up its backcourt rotation after parting ways with Sims, who had been averaging 9.8 points and 3.5 assists this season but struggled with efficiency. With Vanloo now on board, the Sparks gain a capable facilitator and a perimeter threat who can help stretch opposing defenses.
A staple of Belgium’s national team since 2009, Vanloo has competed at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, the 2022 World Cup, and multiple EuroBasket tournaments over the past decade. Alongside Sparks teammate Julie Allemand, she helped Belgium capture its first EuroBasket title in 2023 and repeat as champions in 2025 with a win over Spain in the final.
Vanloo is actually ready to go against the New York Liberty on Thursday, providing head coach Lynne Roberts with another option to steady the backcourt as Los Angeles pushes for a playoff spot. Her addition also offers valuable international experience and leadership to a roster looking for consistency.
Beyond on-court production, Vanloo brings a veteran presence familiar with big-game pressure and a history of fitting into multiple systems and styles. As the Sparks regroup after roster changes, they’ll be counting on her to deliver stability, share her knowledge with younger players, and help the team stay competitive in a tight playoff race.