Sparks sign Marta Fernandez

Fresh from Sparks HQ:

SPARKS SIGN GUARD MARTA FERNANDEZ
Spanish League MVP Returns to Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed guard Marta Fernandez, Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Originally signed by the Sparks as a free agent in February 2007, Fernandez started 20 of 34 games for the Sparks and averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 26.2 minutes per game. The 5'11" guard spent the 2008-2009 season in Poland playing for Wisla Can-Pack Krakow appearing in 34 games and averaging 10.0 points, 2.9 assists and 2.0 steals in 32.5 minutes, while shooting 52% from the field and recording a season high 23 points in November 2008.

"We're very happy that Marta will be back in Los Angeles," said Sparks Head Coach Michael Cooper. "She's a very talented and experienced guard that is a great addition to our roster."

A native of Spain, Fernandez spent 2004-2006 playing for U.B. Barca where she averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. In 2006 she was the MVP of the Women's Spanish League, Domestic Player of the Year, named to the Spanish League First Team and the Spanish All-Domestic Player Team.

"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to be back in L.A. It was a great experience for me two years ago," said Fernandez. "There are great people surrounding the team, from the coaches to the players to the basketball staff. I can't wait to get back because I love the city and I'm excited about the great team they've put together that can make a run for the championship."

With the signing of Fernandez, the Sparks add another Olympian to their roster. Fernandez was a member of the Spanish National Team that finished sixth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. During the games she averaged 9.3 points and 1.6 assists in seven contests. The Sparks also have the only two active brother-sister combos between the NBA and WNBA. Forward Candace Parker's brother Anthony plays for the Toronto Raptors and Fernandez's brother Rudy plays for the Portland Trailblazers.

The WNBA season will tip-off June 6th as the Sparks take on the Defending Champion Detroit Shock at the STAPLES Center at 11:30am. For more information on how to secure your seat visit www.lasparks.com or call 877-44-SPARKS.