Sparks owners end involvement with the team; WNBA takes control:
The WNBA is searching for a new Sparks owner after Sparks Chairman Paula Madison told the league her family-owned company would no longer be involved with the team, The Times has learned.
“This was a big surprise to us,” WNBA President Laurel Richie said Thursday. “Right before the holidays, I got a call from Paula letting me know that she and her family were no longer in a position to continue with the Sparks.”
The WNBA is not taking over control of the Sparks, however.
Asked if the Sparks would field a team for the 2014 season, or if the franchise would fold, Richie repeatedly said that several entities have expressed an interest in owning a WNBA team and the league is exploring those options regarding the Sparks.
The Sparks’ front-office staff, including General Manager Penny Toler and President Vincent Malcolm, have been laid off. Sparks Coach Carol Ross and her staff have also lost their jobs.
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Damn. Here's hoping Sparks find an owner(s) who'll be committed to their success over the long haul. Honestly, I'm not sad to see Ross go since I've lost my enthusiasm for her after 2012 Semi Finals, but I which her well.
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