*This content was translated by AI.
Park Ji-hyun (26), a guard for the Korean Yeo Ja (CEO) team and LA Sparks, made an emotional debut in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
On the 11th (Korean time), Park appeared in the 2026 WNBA regular season opener against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, USA, entering the game with 1 minute and 52 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to make her debut on the world's top stage, the WNBA.
With this, Park Ji-hyun became the third Korean player in history to step onto the WNBA stage. Previously, 'legend' Jung Sun-min (2003) and Park Ji-soo, who has been active as the top player in the Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL) (2018), played in the WNBA.
On this day, Park Ji-hyun defended the court until the end, playing for 1 minute and 52 seconds. Although she did not record any points or assists, she showed an active attitude by attempting a shot once.
A graduate of Sungui Girls' High School, Park Ji-hyun was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018-2019 rookie draft and joined Asan Woori Bank. Over six seasons in the WKBL, she played 158 games for Woori Bank, averaging 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, leading the team to three regular season championships and two championship finals victories.
After growing into the top guard in the WKBL, Park Ji-hyun chose to challenge overseas in 2024. Starting with Bankstown in Australia's NBL1, she played for Tokomana and Queens (New Zealand) and Azul Marino Mallorca Palma (Spain). This year, she joined the WNBA stage wearing the LA Sparks uniform.
Earlier, LA Sparks general manager Reagan Pebble praised Park Ji-hyun, saying, "She is a versatile wing with a good understanding of the game" and "She is a confident shooter with impressive international experience."
Park Ji-hyun earned playing time from her debut game, demonstrating that she is one of the key cards for the Sparks this season.
Meanwhile, Park Ji-hyun's team, the LA Sparks, lost 78-105 on this day. Park Ji-hyun will challenge her second WNBA appearance on the 14th against the Indiana Fever.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
