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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Data Scientist, Basketball Operations - **Company:** Gemini Basketball LLC - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $110,000.0 - $130,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Data Analysis, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Information Engineering, Data Integration, Extract Transform Load (ETL), R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Model Validation, Information Technology, Optimization Algorithms, Plotly - **Published:** September 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=31943d90dc11fefe ## About the Role Education & Certifications * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field preferred. Work Experience * 2+ years of professional experience in data science or related fields. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Strong proficiency in R or Python and SQL. * Experience building statistical or machine learning models on real-world datasets. * Ability to translate complex data into clear, accessible insights for non-technical audiences. * Experience building data viz (ggplot2, grobblR, Plotly, Shiny, Dash, etc.) * Passion for basketball analytics and familiarity with modern metrics and concepts. * Ability to work flexible hours during the WNBA season. Preferred * Experience with basketball-specific data sources such as tracking data, video logs, or advanced play-by-play. * Familiarity with cloud analytics environments (AWS, GCP, or Azure). * Knowledge of Bayesian modeling, optimization techniques, or time-series forecasting. * Familiarity with building or maintaining ETL pipelines. * Familiarity with software engineering tools. * Prior experience working in professional or collegiate sports analytics. ## Description The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Data Scientist to help elevate the team's competitive decision-making through statistical modeling, automated reporting, and data-driven insights. This role works closely with coaches, scouts, performance staff, and front-office leadership to deliver actionable analysis that supports coaching, player evaluation, roster construction, and player development. The ideal candidate is a strong quantitative thinker with basketball domain knowledge, experience working with complex datasets, and the ability to turn data into clear, impactful insights used in realistic basketball solutions. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Applied Basketball Analytics * Develop predictive models to support player evaluation, lineup optimization, scouting, in-game strategy, and roster management. * Analyze player tracking data, play-by-play, and event-level datasets to uncover performance trends and competitive advantages. * Design analytical reports, visualizations, and tools used by coaches, scouts, and front-office staff. Modeling & Statistical Research * Build and validate models for player evaluation, player development, skill-specific growth, and opponent scouting. * Conduct research on new basketball metrics and methodologies that enhance internal evaluations. * Maintain reproducible research workflows and documentation. Data Integration & Engineering Collaboration * Partner with the Data Engineering team to define data needs, improve infrastructure, and ensure reliable, well-structured datasets for analytics. * Build features, transformations, and metrics for use in models and internal reports. * Integrate league providers (Second Spectrum, Synergy, etc.) into an internal data synthesis and reporting structure. * Assist in software development related to data science work produced by the R&D team. Cross-Functional Impact * Prepare clear, concise explanations of analytical findings for scouts, leadership, and coaches. * Support the main decision making periods needed throughout the season (Free Agency, Draft, and Staffing). * Work collaboratively across Basketball Operations to create a data-driven environment. ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Python Data Visualization @ Deepnote (w/ PyViz overview)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/113-python-data-visualization-deepnote-w-pyviz-overview) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [How Data is Shaping our Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/176-how-data-is-shaping-our-games) - [The Innovation Formula: Fast Prototyping, Data Analysis, and Real User Insights](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1421-the-innovation-formula-fast-prototyping-data-analysis-and-real-user-insights) - [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data) ## Related Articles - [Making Data Warehouses Fast: A Developer’s Story](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/107-making-data-warehouses-fast-a-developer-s-story) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Top Big Data Technologies That You Need to Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/108-top-big-data-technologies-that-you-need-to-know)