In a monumental moment for women’s sports, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has officially announced that Lisa Leslie, the legendary center and one of the most iconic figures in WNBA history, will return to the league in 2025 as a co-owner of a WNBA franchise.
This landmark decision marks a full-circle moment for Leslie, who helped build the foundation of the league as a dominant player and role model during her illustrious career.
“Lisa Leslie is a trailblazer, a champion, and a transformational figure in our sport,” Engelbert said during a press conference on Friday. “Her return to the WNBA as a co-owner is not only historic — it’s the beginning of a powerful new chapter for the league.”
A Legend’s Legacy Continues
Leslie, a former star for the Los Angeles Sparks, was a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and the first player to dunk in a WNBA game. She has long been recognized as one of the league’s founding icons, both for her on-court excellence and her off-court leadership.
Now, with her move into ownership, she becomes one of the few former WNBA players to take an executive seat at the table — a move that signals a powerful shift toward player-driven leadership and representation at the highest levels of professional women’s basketball.
“This league gave me everything — a platform, a purpose, and a lifelong sisterhood,” Leslie said in her first remarks since the announcement. “It’s an honor to return not just as a former player, but as a partner in shaping its future.”
Expansion or Legacy Franchise?
While the WNBA has not yet confirmed whether Leslie will co-own an existing franchise or help lead a new expansion team, sources close to the league hint at the launch of a new West Coast franchise in 2025 — part of a broader WNBA growth strategy in response to surging fan interest and rising TV ratings.
More details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Reactions Across the Basketball World
News of Leslie’s ownership role quickly set the sports world abuzz, with tributes pouring in from players, coaches, and celebrities:
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@WNBA: “She’s back. Lisa Leslie returns to the W — this time as a co-owner. History made. 🏀👑”
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Candace Parker: “This is what legacy looks like. Congrats to one of the true greats. #WNBAFamily”
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ESPN’s Holly Rowe: “Lisa Leslie is the blueprint. Today is a win for the WNBA, for women, and for sports.”
A Powerful New Chapter
Lisa Leslie’s return as a co-owner represents more than just a personal milestone — it’s a symbol of the WNBA’s evolution and the increasing role that former players are taking in shaping the future of the league.
From franchise centerpiece to franchise co-owner — Lisa Leslie is still making history.