Sports Physical Therapist

The Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a full-time Sports Physical Therapist to support the health, performance, and availability of elite professional basketball athletes. This role will be responsible for injury evaluation, rehabilitation, return-to-play progression, and collaboration within a high-performance, athlete-centered environment. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented clinician with a strong background in sports medicine, load management, and performance integration. This position reports to the Director of Health & Performance and General Manager.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Clinical Care & RehabilitationEvaluate, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuriesDesign and implement individualized rehabilitation programs aligned with basketball demandsLead return-to-play progressions, including objective testing and on-court reintegrationProvide manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular interventionsPerformance IntegrationCollaborate with strength & conditioning, sports science, and medical staff on athlete programmingContribute to load management strategies and daily readiness assessmentsIntegrate rehabilitation with performance goals to optimize availability and reduce reinjury riskGame & Practice CoverageProvide on-court coverage for all practices, games, and team eventsTravel with the team as required throughout the WNBA seasonCommunication & DocumentationMaintain accurate medical records and daily treatment notesCommunicate athlete status, progress, and recommendations to performance staff and leadershipParticipate in interdisciplinary meetings and case discussionsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Athlete-first mindset with a commitment to high performance careStrong communication and collaboration skills across disciplinesAbility to operate in a fast-paced, high-performance environmentHigh level of professionalism, discretion, and adaptabilityMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Education & CertificationDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited programLicensed (or eligible for licensure) in the state of CaliforniaExperienceMinimum 2-3 years of experience in sports or orthopedic physical therapyExperience working with high-level athletes (collegiate, professional, or elite amateur)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Sports Certified Specialist (SCS)Residency and/or Fellowship TrainedCertified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and/or certified in PilatesExperience in basketball or court-based sportsBackground in return-to-play testing, load monitoring, and performance integrationWORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS:Full-time, including evenings, weekends, and travel during the WNBA seasonOffseason responsibilities include athlete monitoring, program development, and continued collaboration with performance staffCompensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $90,000This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.Job Questions:Are you located in Los Angeles, California? If no, are you willing to relocate?What are your salary expectations?Do you hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program?Are you currently licensed (or eligible for licensure) in the state of California?How many years of experience do you have in sports or orthopedic physical therapy?Do you have experience working with high-level athletes (collegiate, professional, or elite amateur)? (Please specify)Do you hold a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) certification?Do you hold a CSCS certification and/or Pilates certification?