Former Los Angeles Sparks star Lisa Leslie and a former NBC 4 executive are now part owners of the WNBA team. Sparks' officials made Leslie's announcement at halftime of their game Saturday night at Staples Center.
Leslie is the first former WNBA player to invest in a team in the league's 15-year history.
"With my investment in the Sparks, my basketball career has truly come full circle," Leslie said.
"After spending over a decade playing with the Sparks and then the last two season as both a fan and team broadcaster, I couldn't be happier to rejoin the organization formally as a business partner and team ambassador," said the eight-time WNBA All-Star. "I look forward to being as asset to the Sparks in the areas of marketing and community outreach.''
Leslie played for the Sparks from their inaugural 1997 season through 2009. She was a three-time recipient of the league's most valuable player award and led the Sparks to championships in 2001 and 2002.
Leslie joins former NBC4 General Manager Paula Madison, teacher Kathy Goodman and attorney Carla Christofferson in the team's ownership group. Madison is the group's chairperson.
