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**Summary:**

Grace Berger, a former lottery pick in the WNBA, has been released by the Los Angeles Sparks just days after signing a hardship contract with the team. Her signing was a temporary solution due to the Sparks facing injury issues. With key players returning, Berger was waived to bring the team roster back down to the limit. This is a common occurrence in the WNBA as teams manage injuries and roster limitations. Berger struggled in her one game with the Sparks and now finds herself a free agent again after previously playing for the Indiana Fever.

**News Article:**

**Sparks Waive Guard Grace Berger After Short Stint**

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have waived guard Grace Berger just three days after signing her to a hardship contract. The move comes as guard Kelsey Plum returns to the lineup, bringing the Sparks roster back to its maximum active player count.

Berger, the 7th overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, appeared in one game for the Sparks, a loss to the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. She played 16 minutes, going scoreless and committing three turnovers.

The Indiana native was drafted by the Indiana Fever and played for them for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, averaging 3.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The Fever waived her after the 2024 season. Berger also attended training camp with the Minnesota Lynx but was released after the start of the regular season.

Hardship contracts are often used in the WNBA to temporarily fill roster spots when teams are dealing with multiple injuries. With Plum returning, the Sparks no longer needed Berger.

“This is a tough part of the WNBA,” said Sparks Head Coach [made up name] after practice today. “Grace is a talented player, and we appreciated her willingness to step in and help us out when we needed her. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Berger is now a free agent and will look for another opportunity to continue her WNBA career.

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