Naismith Basketball Corridor of Famer Magic Johnson has launched into completely different ventures since retiring from the NBA after the 1996 season. The five-time NBA champion has labored as a basketball analyst for ESPN and TNT’s Contained in the NBA whereas additionally investing in sports activities groups.
Johnson is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Commanders, the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, and the MLS’s Los Angeles FC. Johnson joined the New York Metropolis funding agency Guggenheim Companions to buy the Sparks in 2014, and the group gained the WNBA Finals two years later.
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Johnson shared his pleasure concerning the Sparks’ new apply facility on Wednesday through his social media.
Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic JohnsonKyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities
“I’m excited concerning the new LA Sparks state-of-the-art apply facility which would be the greatest in the entire WNBA!” he stated. “I need to congratulate my Sparks companion and new Lakers Proprietor Mark Walter, in addition to my enterprise companion Eric Holoman, for making this dream facility come to fruition!”
The Sparks to construct a apply facility in El Segundo, California, on Wednesday through their social media. It is scheduled to open in 2027, and the membership’s $150 million funding is the for a single group within the historical past of ladies’s sports activities, through ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
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Sparks Enhance Their Report
Los Angeles hasn’t made the postseason since 2020, but it surely took a step ahead this season. The membership completed 21-23, simply two video games out of a playoff spot and an enchancment on 2024’s 8-32 report.
Star guard Kelsey Plum led the group with 19.5 factors per sport on 42.2 p.c taking pictures (35.5 p.c 3-point) and 5.7 assists throughout 35.1 minutes. The Sparks traded for the previous No. 1 general choose in January, however she’ll now hit free company this offseason.
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Los Angeles’ 4 gamers beneath contract for 2026 are ahead Rickea Jackson, ahead Cameron Brink, guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, and ahead Sani Feagin. Many WNBA veterans are hitting free company this offseason because the Gamers’ Affiliation negotiates with the league for a brand new Collective Bargaining Settlement (CBA). If the 2 sides do not attain a brand new deal earlier than the Oct. 31 deadline, there might be a lockout.
Nevertheless, the Sparks’ younger gamers give them a basis it doesn’t matter what occurs. Jackson averaged 14.7 on 42.4 p.c taking pictures (34.8 p.c 3-point) this season, whereas Brink and Ashlee Barker had been top-10 draft picks in every of the final two years, respectively.
This story was initially reported by on Sep 24, 2025, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a