Lisa Leslie rejoins Sparks as part owner

Less than two years after retiring, Lisa Leslie (pictured), is rejoining the Los Angeles Sparks — as a part-owner.

The Sparks announced Friday night the nine-time All-Star and three-time MVP was joining the team’s ownership group that also includes chairperson Paula Madison and investors Kathy Goodman and Carla Christofferson.

Leslie, who was the league’s first player to dunk in a game and the first to reach 6,000 career points, becomes the first former WNBA player to invest in a team.

Los Angeles made the announcement during halftime of their game against Tulsa.

The Sparks’ home court at Staples Center was renamed “Lisa Leslie Court” on June 23, 2006, and her No. 9 jersey was formally retired Aug. 10, 2010.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.