Lisa Leslie joins Los Angeles Sparks ownership group

posted by Jayda Evans: Womens Hoops Blog
Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 2:08am EDT

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her first year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"

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In case you hadn't heard, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie won't be fading into the background. In fact, she put some money on the table to help influence the growth of the league, becoming a part owner of her former Los Angeles Sparks.

The deal was announced Friday during halftime of the team's loss to Tulsa, which was on a 20-game losing streak. Leslie retired in 2009 and is the first player to become an owner.

"With my investment in the Sparks, my basketball career has truly come full- circle," Leslie told reporters. "After spending over a decade playing with the Sparks, and then the last two seasons as both a fan and team broadcaster, I couldn't be happier to rejoin the organization formally as a business partner and team ambassador. I look forward to being an asset to the Sparks in the areas of marketing and community outreach."

Don't expect many players to follow her lead, however. Leslie was one of the WNBA's three original faces, getting a lucrative deal to play in the league. She's probably still the biggest celebrity the league has, getting news in People magazine and mentions in rap songs. Players today, even with the pay overseas, don't have as much money to invest as Leslie.

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Filed Under:

ongoing stories

Lisa Leslie Sparks ownership
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View Original Post at seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/womenshoopsblog/index.html

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Lisa Leslie joins Los Angeles Sparks ownership group

Lisa Leslie Sparks ownership

WorkInSports

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