The Los Angeles Sparks hosted the Seattle Storm for a game on Tuesday night, and they used an interesting approach to promote the contest.
The Sparks typically use a photo of one of their players to promote their games via social media. The photos show the players in non-uniform apparel. For Tuesday’s game, they used a photo of Sarah Ashlee Barker. The only thing is Barker was wearing a tiny top that barely covered her upper half and left tons of skin visible.
Back in front of the home crowd.
🆚 Seattle Storm
⏰ 7 PM PT
📺 @SpectrumSN & @NBATV
Tickets still available: https://t.co/4bLx4rHjWO pic.twitter.com/K1DZeGNGZO
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 17, 2025
Unsurprisingly, the Sparks’ X post had been viewed over 9 million times at the time this was published. It also had been bookmarked over 1,100 times.
People couldn’t believe they used a photo of Barker in such a skimpy outfit.
This is why people don’t take the WNBA seriously btw
— Joe’s Picks (@Joes_Picks) June 18, 2025
is there a basketball game tonight or a fashion show?
— LONG LIVE ARSON JUDGE/Sabres fan by default (@bufNYY161st) June 18, 2025
This is why women’s sports aren’t taken seriously
— Stacy- The Options Dog (@sroberso52) June 18, 2025
Is this real?
Why is the woman in lingerie? Where’s the uniform?
— Dre Baldwin | #WorkOnYourGame (@DreAllDay) June 18, 2025
The Sparks don’t always use a photo of players that show them in uniforms/jerseys when promoting games, so this approach wasn’t exactly new. The difference is, the outfits shown usually aren’t so skimpy.
🗣️ Get up, it's gameday!
🆚 Phoenix Mercury
⏰ 3 PM PT
📺 @SpectrumSN
🎟️ Join us: https://t.co/UQk6TwVzkl pic.twitter.com/C8uWH6Iw21
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 1, 2025
Even the one of Kelsey Plum had more skin covered up.
Last game of the homestand tonight. Let's get it.
🆚 Atlanta Dream
⏰ 7 PM PT
📺 @SpectrumSN
🎟️ https://t.co/A3tCraZvFk pic.twitter.com/Sein8qqS1c
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 27, 2025
Well, if there’s one thing the Sparks can say, it’s that they got extra attention for their post. Mission accomplished?