Magic Johnson News: Mark Walter And Johnson Set To Buy WNBA Sparks

In the time since the Guggenheim Group took over, the Los Angeles Dodgers have gone from a struggling franchise to a powerhouse competing for the highest payroll in the major leagues.

The group of Stan Kasten, Magic Johnson, Mark Walter, Peter Guber, Todd Boehly and Bobby Patton have put in money and time into the storied franchise and have reenergized a fan base that was largely pushed away from the previous owner.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN LA, Johnson and Walter are set to do the same with another Los Angeles franchise:

Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers chairmain Mark Walter have partnered to buy the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, saving the struggling franchise from relocation or contraction, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

The Sparks haven’t had an owner since late last year after their previous owner, Paula Madison, informed the team and league that she could no longer run it. Madison bought the franchise from the Buss family in 2007, but was unable to turn a profit in the time since. After she dropped the team, the Sparks were unsure of their future, leaving the team to be run by the league with little known about the future.

It was reported that the Golden State Warriors were interested in buying the Sparks and moving them to the Bay Area. With the new owners, the Sparks will remain in Los Angeles and the two Dodger owners will try to transform them much like they did with the Dodgers.

Even though the purchase is separate from the Dodgers, expect the teams to coincide and collaborate on events.

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