Photo: FLLewis/ Media City G — Magic Johnson at Staples Center news conference in Downtown Los Angeles February 5, 2014
Los Angeles Sparks fans have plenty to cheer about today. At a Staples Center news conference in Downtown Los Angeles this morning, the official announcement of a deal for a local investment group led by former-NBA superstar, Magic Johnson, and a major owner of the Dodgers, Mark Walter, to buy the Los Angeles Sparks.
The WNBA franchise got abruptly dumped by the former owners and began the year in limbo. There was a lot of interest in purchasing the Sparks and moving the team to the Bay Area. Just when things looked really bleak for the Sparks, Johnson, Walter, and the other investors, Dodger co-owners Todd L. Boehly, Robert L. Patton and Stan Kasten, stepped up and save the Los Angeles team.
“… it’s wonderful to know that a team like the Sparks will stay here in this beautiful city. So, I’m truly excited I can’t wait to go to practice.. I won’t get on the floor — because I’ll leave that to the coach and the players. But I want to sit in the stands just be apart of it. Come to the games. My wife, Cooke, was very excited. She can’t wait. We’ve been to many Sparks games. So this just truly exciting day for the fans of the Sparks, but also those who live in Los Angeles… we’re ready to go!” said Magic Johnson at the news conference.
Johnson plans to meet with the all employees this week. Johnson says they’ll work on a strategy not just for the net year or two– but 20 years down the line. Yeah, that’s what the Sparks and their organization needs stable ownership.
WNBA photo (l-r) Sparks coach Carol Ross, WNBA President Laurel Richie, Sparks owner Magic Johnson, former Sparks star Lisa Leslie, and Sparks GM Penny Toler
More on the deal and the players here.
