LA Sparks Ownership Group Gives Up Franchise

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Sparks' ownership group has given up control of the franchise.

WNBA President Laurel Richie told The Associated Press on Thursday that Sparks chairman Paula Madison informed the league right before Christmas that her family-owned company would no longer be involved with the team.

All front office personnel, including the team's president were laid off on New Year's Eve.

The move, which caught the league by surprise, comes after a banner year for the WNBA with attendance and viewership both up.

Richie said that several groups have expressed interest in owning a WNBA team and the league is now exploring those options in regards to the Sparks.

In:
• WNBA