Sparks rumors: ESPN confirms $700 million Mark Walter bombshell

ESPN reports the Los Angeles Sparks are in preliminary ownership-sale discussions at an estimated $700 million valuation, citing sources familiar with the matter. The development follows months after Mark Walter agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion, prompting questions about his broader sports holdings. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne notes the company has denied pursuing “fire sale” asset sales to raise capital for insurance operations, but sources still confirm Sparks talks. No agreement has been announced. The Sparks recently struggled again, finishing 16-28 and missing the WNBA playoffs. The rumor also follows Walter’s August decision to sell the Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger.