The Los Angeles Sparks could become the latest sports franchise involved in a potential ownership change, with ESPN confirming that preliminary discussions have taken place regarding a possible sale at a valuation of approximately $700 million.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, sources familiar with the situation confirmed Tuesday that early-stage discussions surrounding the Sparks have occurred, supporting an earlier report from Bloomberg.
The development comes just months after Mark Walter agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion, raising additional questions about the future of his sports holdings.
“The company has emphatically denied that it is looking to sell its sports assets at ‘fire sale' prices to raise capital for its insurance operations,” Shelburne wrote.
However, Shelburne reported that sources confirmed discussions involving the Sparks at an estimated $700 million valuation.
The potential transaction remains in its preliminary stages, and no agreement has been announced.
The report arrives after another disappointing season for the Sparks, who finished 16-28 and missed the WNBA playoffs once again.
Despite the team's struggles on the court, the reported valuation reflects the growing financial interest surrounding professional women's basketball.
Sparks sale rumors emerge after Mark Walter blindsided Lakers' Jeanie Buss
The Sparks discussions follow Walter's unexpected decision to sell the Lakers to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger in August.
Walter reportedly accepted the $12.5 billion proposal within approximately 72 hours of receiving the initial approach, despite previously indicating that the franchise was not for sale.
The rapid transaction reportedly blindsided Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, who learned about the agreement only hours before ESPN publicly reported the news.
Buss had selected Walter as the franchise's long-term successor after the Buss family sold its controlling interest in 2025 at a $10 billion valuation.
Article Continues BelowLakers superstar Luka Doncic also received an unexpected early-morning warning about the potential ownership change from his longtime manager, Lara Beth Seager.
“There's not much that can shock me anymore,” Doncic told Seager after learning the agreement had been finalized, according to Shelburne.
Walter's broader sports portfolio has also attracted attention following the Lakers transaction and the sale of his minority stake in Chelsea.
However, the company has denied suggestions that it is pursuing discounted asset sales to generate capital for its insurance businesses.
For the Sparks, the reported $700 million valuation represents a significant development, although the preliminary nature of the discussions leaves the franchise's ownership future uncertain.