LOS ANGELES---Aari McDonald is going, going, back, back, to Cali, Cali. But it’s not the homecoming she may have expected. The 5 foot 6 point guard out of the University of Arizona played 26 games for the Los Angeles Sparks last season, but was unceremoniously cut from the team this past April during training camp. Since then, the Fresno native has been on a tear for the Indiana Fever, who are currently in fifth place and pushing for a playoff run.
The Sporting Tribune spoke to her before the Sparks-Fever game on Tuesday about what it means to return to the city that decided not to take her back.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives to the basket while defended by Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Both franchises came into Tuesday’s matchup on fire–the Fever winning five-in-a-row, and the Sparks winning six of their last seven games. The Fever have done much of their winning, however, without Caitlin Clark–who has missed eight games and counting with a groin injury. The second-year sensation has missed 17 games this year, putting a damper on her astonishing young career. In her place, McDonald– who signed with Indiana just over a month ago, has fit like a glove.
“[Aari] is not the most outgoing or extroverted,” Fever teammate Sydney Colson told The Sporting Tribune, “But who she is, just fit in seamlessly with us.”
The Sparks struggled to find consistent point guard play in 2024, as McDonald and now-retired guard Layshia Clarendon both missed time due to injury. Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley sought to solve that issue by making the blockbuster trade of the offseason.
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Jul 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks guard Aari McDonald (15) is introduced before the game against the Seattle Storm at Crypto.com Arena.
When Los Angeles snagged Kelsey Plum from the Aces in January, they found their franchise point guard of the future. After a rough start, the Sparks are hoping to make a Cinderella-run fit for Hollywood.
For McDonald, she’s happy to be back in the Golden state, at least to see loved ones.
“It feels good to be back in Cali,” McDonald told the Sporting Tribune pregame. “I’ve got a whole lot of friends and family that are going to be in attendance, but I’m excited. It’s going to be a good one tonight.”
You could feel the competitiveness radiating from McDonald’s spirit, despite a stoic exterior. She’s often the smallest player on the court, only by stature, not by heart. Colson, one of the most vocal athletes in the WNBA, continued to emphasize how important the four-year vet has been to the roster.
“Her presence on the court I think is much more vibrant than what it is off,” Colson said. “It’s just a good mix. We all have fun off the court, but her being here has brought a different passion to our team. More defense.”
“I think I’ve brought my tenacious defense,” McDonald said, adding that she also brings leadership and an ability to “organize the offense and put people in their spots.”
“A piece of the pie, a bonus, is me being aggressive.”
McDonald tried to downplay any extra aggression she may have after being let go from the Sparks. But Tuesday’s game was a little different.
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Aug 3, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) shoots the ball against the Seattle Storm during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘prove-it’ game,” she finished. “But I mean…it’s a little more oomph on the table. I’m just here to play my game, get the dub, and just be that ultimate team player and that group player tonight.”
Showcasing her all-around skill, McDonald finished the night with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds. But the Sparks broke the Fever in a 100-91 victory, ending their winning streak. The Sparks improved to 13-15, winning seven of their last eight games.
There’s still no timetable for Caitlin Clark’s return to Indiana. But for now, the little point guard with big aggression continues to shine for her team, no matter what city she plays in.