Whether it’s her clutch capabilities, reliable scoring, or team chemistry— Rae Burrell came in stocked for the 2025 season. “Just to be able to show what I can do, and I feel I’m able to do a lot of things in a lot of areas on the court… so I definitely see myself having a bigger role,” she admitted after her not-so-expected performance at Unrivaled. But even before she could fully use the skills she learned this offseason for the Sparks, she’s been hit hard—yet again.

It all happened during Game 1 of the season. Just 41 seconds in, Rae Burrell was suddenly on the floor, grabbing at her right knee. It was one of those moments where time just stops. The LA Sparks forward, who was finally set to step into a bigger role this season, went down after an awkward closeout and had to be carried off the court, unable to put any weight on her leg.

“I talked to Lynne Roberts, got an update on Rae Burrell, who will not return to this game. She doesn’t know a lot more, though, other than Rae’s getting that right leg tested,” the ION sideline reporter had said. The team later confirmed it was a right lower leg injury, and that she would miss the remainder of the game.

Tough news for Burrell, who was carried off the court. https://t.co/HhO8EwvBeV

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) May 17, 2025

Honestly, anyone watching could feel this was more than just a precaution. After being in and out of the lineup in her earlier seasons, this year was supposed to be different.

Coming out of Tennessee, Burrell never really got a chance to shine in her rookie season with the Sparks—largely because she had already suffered an injury to the same right knee during her senior year in college. While it wasn’t an ACL tear, the injury was significant enough to limit her to just 22 games that season.

Despite that, she was drafted ninth overall in 2022 by the Sparks. However, the injury still didn’t allow her to play. She was once again limited—this time to just three games in her rookie WNBA season.

Still, she never lost hope and made her comeback in 2023. Though, of course, new challenges were already waiting for her.

Despite facing obstacles, Rae Burell refuses to break down each time.

In her Year 2 in the W, Rae Burrell didn’t make LA’s Opening Day roster and had to sign a couple of hardship contracts. Though the Sparks eventually brought her back, and she’s been with the team ever since, it wasn’t until last season that she finally got the chance to unfold herself on the court.

And she did just that. Averaging 5.9 points for the Sparks, she started the final seven games of the campaign. But every time she performed, she knew she could do a lot better. That’s what ultimately lured her toward Unrivaled this offseason. Being one of the few less-accomplished players with enormous potential, Burrell did what she does best.

“Rae Burrell has kind of been off the charts early,” Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell said. “Not to say she’s not also a great player in the WNBA. It’s why she’s here. We targeted the best of the best. But I think this game is even further built for her versatility, her length, and her skill level.”

And no doubt, she delivered. While she had already been one of the Sparks’ solid bench players over the past three seasons, she had only managed to score in double digits six times last season. But as she stepped into the early days of Unrivaled, she easily exceeded that production.

“She’s constantly in conversations in the coach’s office like, ‘Wow, we didn’t realize she was going to be this impactful this early — because she’s also a pretty young player,’” Bazzell added.

As part of Vinyl Club, she played alongside stars like Arike Ogunbowale, Aliyah Boston, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Dearica Hamby. So naturally, after learning from the greats, she was expected to show up big against the Valkyries this season.

But, as we know, that didn’t happen. “Thank you for all the love and prayers,” she expressed on X, thanking her supporters after the recent injury. But what Burrell left incomplete, Kelsey Plum and co. continued. Notably, LA Sparks spoiled the Valkyries’ season opener with an 84–67 win at Chase Center. But, the big question still remains: Will Burrell be able to do what she’s aiming for?

Well, that depends on her injury timeline.