The Los Angeles Sparks are set to celebrate a new statue honoring WNBA legend Lisa Leslie this Sunday. The event, taking place during the Sparks' game against the Portland Fire at Crypto.com Arena, precedes the public unveiling of the statue the following day.
Fans attending Sunday's game will receive a commemorative ticket upon entry. These special tickets are designed to "come to life" when a QR code on the back is scanned, according to the Sparks. A limited number of these tickets will also feature an autograph from Leslie herself. Opportunities for photos celebrating Leslie will be available on the concourse throughout the event, and Leslie will be recognized at halftime during the game.
The statue itself, created by renowned sculptors Julie Rotblatt Amrany and Omri Amrany, will be available for public viewing starting Monday. It will be located outside Crypto.com Arena in Star Plaza.
Leslie's impact on the Sparks and the WNBA is substantial. She played for the team from their inaugural season in 1997 through 2009, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise. During her tenure, she earned the league's Most Valuable Player award three times and led the Sparks to back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002. Her legendary career was further cemented with her election to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
This statue places Leslie among an elite group. She will be the 16th person and only the second female to have a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. The other female honoree is Gigi Bryant, who was tragically killed alongside her father, Kobe Bryant, in a 2020 helicopter crash.
Leslie reflected on this honor in a statement released on May 14, when the Sparks first announced the statue. She expressed pride in being "cemented in Los Angeles, the city that raised me," and noted how blessed she felt to be a role model. Leslie added that she has "truly given my all to this sport and our community," extending her thanks to coaches, teammates, fans, family, and friends. She concluded by invoking a saying: "The wolf is only as strong as the pack," acknowledging the support she received throughout her career.
Fellow Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson also commented on Leslie's legacy in the May 14 announcement. Johnson praised Leslie's commitment, calling her one of the best to ever play the game. He stated that Leslie's legacy extends beyond her championships and accolades, emphasizing that it is defined by the doors she opened and the standard she set for generations to come. Johnson described Leslie as "more than an athlete," recognizing her as a pioneer, cultural icon, and a force who elevated women's basketball to new heights. He noted that the statue celebrates her excellence, leadership, and the future she helped create, ensuring her impact will remain part of the city's fabric.
This celebration marks a lasting tribute to a player who not only dominated the court but also shaped the landscape of women's professional basketball, particularly in Southern California. The statue ensures her place in the public memory of Los Angeles sports.
